ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday dismissed as “inappropriate and unfounded” recent remarks by government spokesperson Danyal Chaudhry suggesting that Pakistani troops participating in a proposed Gaza peace mission could be involved in disarming Hamas.
Speaking to Geo News on the programme Naya Pakistan, Asif said the comments did not reflect the government’s position. “God forbid on all these three remarks — none of this is our objective or within our mandate,” he said, emphasising that any role for Pakistan in the Gaza peace force would follow collective decisions made at the government level.
Chaudhry, who also serves as the federal parliamentary secretary for information and broadcasting, had stated earlier this week on ARY News that the multinational Gaza peace force would ensure there was “no extremism or cross-border violence,” and that disarmament of Hamas could form part of its mandate.
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Asif categorically rejected this interpretation, saying he had “no information” suggesting such a role and warned against individuals making personal statements on sensitive foreign policy matters. He acknowledged that deploying Pakistani troops under current circumstances — amid continued Israeli bombardment — would be “complicated.”
The proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF), a key component of the US-brokered Gaza peace plan, is expected to comprise troops from Muslim-majority countries. Sources said deliberations within Pakistan’s civil and military leadership were ongoing, with Islamabad inclined to participate given its long-standing role in UN peacekeeping operations.
Questions on whose behalf Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Danyal Chaudhry was speaking in terms of enforcing peace, disarming Hamas.https://t.co/k2lV01Wxgf
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) October 31, 2025
Officials said Pakistan’s involvement would reinforce its reputation for professionalism in post-conflict missions and could bolster ties with Washington as bilateral relations continue to improve. However, they cautioned that domestic opinion remains sensitive, with many Pakistanis wary of being seen as supporting a US-led initiative in Gaza.
Asif reiterated that a final decision on participation was still under review. Meanwhile, commenting on Pakistan’s recent agreement with the Afghan Taliban to extend the ceasefire and establish a joint monitoring mechanism, he said effective border control was essential to prevent cross-border terrorism.
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