Pakistan&rsquo;s most powerful military chief in decades, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is facing a defining moment as Washington intensifies pressure on Islamabad to contribute troops to a proposed Gaza stabilisation force. The plan, part of US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s post-war roadmap for Gaza, has triggered unease within Pakistan&rsquo;s political and security establishment, amid fears of domestic backlash.
Munir is expected to travel to Washington in the coming weeks for another high-level meeting with President Trump, where Gaza is likely to dominate discussions. Trump&rsquo;s proposal envisions a force drawn from Muslim-majority nations to oversee reconstruction and security in Gaza, including the demilitarisation of Hamas,&nbsp; a task many countries see as politically explosive and militarily risky.
Analysts say Pakistan&rsquo;s formidable military capability places added pressure on Munir to &ldquo;deliver.&rdquo; &ldquo;Not contributing could annoy Trump, which is no small matter for a Pakistani state keen to remain in his good graces,&rdquo; pointing to Islamabad&rsquo;s need for US investment and security cooperation. Pakistan&rsquo;s foreign minister has, however, drawn a clear line, saying that disarming Hamas &ldquo;is not our job.&rdquo;
At home, the risks are sharper. Any Pakistani troop presence in Gaza under a US-backed plan could ignite protests from Islamist groups and opposition forces already hostile to the military leadership.&nbsp; With unprecedented authority and constitutional protection, Munir may have the power to decide but the consequences could reverberate far beyond Gaza.

Pakistan army chief faces domestic risk as US presses for Gaza force role

Pakistan General at Gaza Crossfire

Pakistan army chief faces domestic risk as US presses for Gaza force role

December 17, 2025 | 23:56 IST