Field Marshal Asim Munir is expected to travel to Washington in the coming weeks to meet Donald Trump for the third time in six months, according to two sources cited by Reuters. The talks are likely to focus on the proposed Gaza stabilisation force, with one source describing Munir as a key figure in Pakistan’s economic diplomacy.
Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan calls for a multinational force drawn from Muslim countries to oversee a transition period aimed at reconstruction and economic recovery in the Palestinian territory, which has been devastated by more than two years of Israeli military operations.
Several countries remain cautious about joining such a mission, particularly one involving the demilitarisation of Hamas. Analysts say participation could draw contributing states deeper into the conflict and provoke anger among pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli populations at home.
Munir, however, has developed a close working relationship with Trump as part of efforts to repair years of strained ties between Washington and Islamabad. In June, he was hosted for lunch at the White House, marking the first time a US president met Pakistan’s army chief alone without civilian leadership present.
Michael Kugelman, senior fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council, said refusing to join the Gaza force could upset Trump, something Pakistan would be keen to avoid.
“Not contributing could annoy Trump, which is no small matter for a Pakistani state that appears quite keen to remain in his good graces, particularly to secure US investment and security assistance,” Kugelman said.
Analysts say any decision to send Pakistani troops to Gaza would carry significant political risks at home, even as Islamabad balances its strategic and economic interests with Washington.
