Pakistan Weighs Deploying 3,500 Troops To Gaza; Rubio Confirms Offer, Islamabad Consults Turkey And Iran

Pakistan is planning to deploy around 3,500 troops to the war-ravaged and blockaded Gaza Strip as part of a proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) under US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace framework, according to Pakistani diplomatic sources and military officials.

The potential deployment, if finalised, would mark one of Islamabad’s most significant overseas security commitments in West Asia and underscore its evolving engagement with Washington on post-war stabilisation in Gaza, according to various media reports.

How have talks on Pakistan troops for Gaza progressed?

The development was first reported by Pakistani daily Dawn, which noted that Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi had said only last week that no final decision had yet been taken on contributing troops to the ISF.

However, subsequent diplomatic activity and statements from senior US officials indicate that Pakistan is now among the key countries being considered for participation in the multinational force envisioned under Trump’s plan.

What did Rubio say about the Pakistan offer?

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Friday (December 19, 2025) that Pakistan has offered to send troops for the proposed International Stabilisation Force in Gaza.

Responding to questions on whether Islamabad had formally committed, Rubio said Washington was “very grateful to Pakistan for their offer to be a part of it, or at least their offer to consider being a part of it,” adding that the US still needed to provide “a few more answers before we can ask anybody to firmly commit.”

Rubio also expressed confidence that several countries acceptable to all parties in the conflict were willing to contribute troops or resources to the force, noting that Pakistan was among those that had shown interest.

Why is ISF crucial for Trump’s peace plan?

The ISF forms a central pillar of President Trump’s proposed 20-point Gaza peace plan, which seeks to transition the territory from active conflict to reconstruction and long-term stability following the devastating war between Israel and Hamas.

The Gaza conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and allied militant groups launched a surprise attack into southern Israel, killing an estimated 1,200 people and taking around 251 hostages.

Israel responded with a massive military campaign in Gaza that, according to multiple health and conflict assessments, has resulted in the deaths of more than 70,000 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure across the enclave.

What is Trump’s Gaza peace plan?

Under Trump’s proposal, the International Stabilisation Force would be tasked with overseeing border security with Israel and Egypt, protecting civilians, ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid, supporting reconstruction efforts, and facilitating the demilitarisation of armed groups in Gaza.

The US president has urged Muslim-majority countries to contribute troops, logistics, or equipment to lend regional legitimacy to the force.

When is Pakistan expected to make a decision?

Although Pakistan has not officially announced a final decision, its military leadership is understood to have held discussions with US officials regarding the scope, mandate, and rules of engagement for any potential deployment.

Participation could help Islamabad strengthen ties with Washington at a time of shifting regional alignments, but it is also likely to face domestic political resistance.

Islamist parties and opposition groups in Pakistan have historically opposed any involvement perceived as aligning with Israel or Western-led military initiatives in the Middle East.

How has Pakistan intensified its consultations with Türkiye and Iran?

At the same time, Pakistan has intensified diplomatic consultations with key regional partners on Trump’s Gaza peace plan and its next phase, which envisages a multinational force.

On Sunday (December 20, 2025), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his Turkish and Iranian counterparts to discuss the evolving situation in Gaza.

Diplomatic sources said Islamabad is actively engaging friendly countries, particularly Turkey and Iran, to exchange views on ground realities in Gaza and explore options for humanitarian relief, ceasefire sustainability, and longer-term stabilisation under an international framework.

Why is Pakistan doing a balancing act on Gaza?

These consultations reflect Pakistan’s effort to balance its engagement with the US-led initiative while maintaining close coordination with influential regional actors.

As discussions continue, Pakistan’s possible deployment of 3,500 troops remains contingent on clarity over the ISF’s mandate, international backing, and domestic political considerations.

Nevertheless, Rubio’s confirmation of Pakistan’s offer and Islamabad’s parallel outreach to Turkey and Iran suggest that the country is emerging as a significant player in diplomatic efforts to shape Gaza’s post-war future.