Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday said Pakistan’s leadership will decide on the possible deployment of personnel to a proposed peace force for Palestine, reaffirming that the country’s policy on the issue remains clear with no change in its stance. Addressing a press conference, the foreign minister defended the country’s decision to back the Gaza peace plan, floated by US President Donald Trump, saying that ground operations in Palestine would primarily be handled by local law enforcement agencies. Indonesia has offered 20,000 personnel for the peace force,” he said, adding that Pakistani leadership would also take a decision in this regard. “I’m sure Pakistan will also decide — the leadership will make the decision — and we have told them that whatever arrangement is made should be documented at the United Nations. There is also the UN peacekeeping force, but this was about a special force only for Gaza,” he added. He pointed out that five countries believe Hamas will accept the plan, and “we should trust their assurances.” Dar added that the idea also includes establishing an independent technocrat government in Palestine, overseen by a supervisory body largely made up of Palestinians. Dar clarified that Pakistan had not struck any deal directly with Israel. “If we had to deal with Israel, we would have done it directly. We dealt with the United States, and the United States dealt with Israel,” he asserted. The deputy PM further confirmed that in his meeting with President Trump, Pakistan, along with seven other nations, agreed to the Gaza agenda. “We raised the matter of ceasefire and aid, and a secret understanding was reached for foreign ministers of the eight countries to hold further consultations with Trump’s team,” he disclosed. He reiterated that Pakistan, alongside seven other nations, stands firmly united on the Palestinian policy. “Pakistan’s policy is absolutely clear, and there has been no change in it,” Dar underlined.
Pakistan yet to decide on sending army to Palestine as part of peace troops: FM Dar
