Pakistan Will Join Gaza Peacekeeping But Not Disarm Hamas in 2026

Pakistan is ready to join a Gaza peacekeeping force in 2026, but will not disarm Hamas. This is a change from earlier reports.
By Newsroom | International Relations, Middle East |

Pakistan's potential deployment of troops to Gaza has sparked intense debate, both domestically and internationally. While Pakistan has consistently stated its willingness to participate in a peacekeeping force, it has equally adamantly rejected any role in disarming Hamas or enforcing terms on the ground. This stance creates a complex picture of Pakistan's engagement in a volatile region, balancing its historical foreign policy principles with evolving global security dynamics.

Reports indicate Pakistan's official position emphasizes a peacekeeping role, focusing on stabilizing the region rather than engaging in direct conflict or disarmament operations. This approach aims to avoid direct confrontation with Hamas while still contributing to a multinational force. The implications of this strategy are significant, as it could shape the effectiveness and perception of any international intervention in Gaza.

Official Declarations and Shifting Positions

Pakistan's government has repeatedly clarified its stance on a potential deployment to Gaza. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been a key figure in articulating this position.

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  • Peacekeeping Focus: Dar has stated that Pakistan is ready to contribute troops to the Gaza International Stabilization Force (ISF).

  • No Disarmament Role: Crucially, Dar has also firmly declared that Pakistan will not engage in disarming Hamas. This boundary has been a consistent theme in official communications.

  • Enforcement Rejection: Beyond disarmament, Pakistan has also rejected any mandate involving "enforcement or imposed rule" in Gaza, limiting its involvement strictly to peacekeeping operations.

Initial reports and speculation had suggested a broader role, prompting clarification. For instance, reports on November 10, 2025, suggested a role in disarming Hamas, which was later officially refuted. On November 29, 2025, The Express Tribune reported Dar dismissing these earlier reports. This was further solidified on November 30, 2025, when Pakistan Today quoted Dar explicitly stating Pakistan's readiness for peacekeeping but not for disarming Hamas.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif had also previously "strongly condemned suggestions that Pakistan would participate in disarmament operations," underscoring the consistent government line.

Internal and External Reactions

The prospect of Pakistani troops in Gaza has elicited strong reactions from various quarters.

  • Domestic Dissent: The hardline Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has voiced significant opposition, mobilizing against the idea of a Gaza deployment. Article 1 notes this internal dissent, highlighting a "firestorm of dissent" within Pakistan.

  • Regional Considerations: Pakistan's historical role as a host of Afghan refugees and its complex relationship with neighboring countries are often cited in discussions about its foreign policy and military deployments.

  • International Scrutiny: The decision is also being viewed internationally as a test of Pakistan's diplomatic and peacekeeping capabilities. Article 5 frames Gaza as a "strategic test case" for Pakistan's redefined foreign policy, moving towards "global peacekeeping diplomacy."

Pakistan's Historical Context in Peacekeeping

Pakistan has a long and extensive history of contributing to UN peacekeeping missions worldwide. This experience forms a crucial backdrop to the current discussions regarding Gaza.

  • Extensive Deployments: Pakistani military personnel have served in numerous missions, including in Sierra Leone, Somalia, Liberia, Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire, Yemen, and Lebanon.

  • Focus on Female Peacekeepers: In recent years, Pakistan has also actively promoted the inclusion of female peacekeepers to empower local women in conflict zones.

  • Strategic Reorientation: The consideration of joining the Gaza stabilization force is seen by some analysts as a sign of Pakistan's shifting foreign policy. This move suggests a transition from a regional focus on "containment and deterrence" to a broader engagement in global peacekeeping.

The "Verifiable Peace" Doctrine

Some analyses suggest Pakistan's approach to international engagements, including the potential Gaza mission, aligns with a concept termed "Verifiable Peace."

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  • Evidence-Based Mechanisms: This doctrine seeks to combine peacekeeping diplomacy with mechanisms that rely on evidence.

  • Strategic Diplomacy: It represents a departure from a purely survival and deterrence-focused foreign policy, incorporating more active diplomatic engagement. Examples cited include Pakistan's dealings with Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, the Trump Peace Plan, and Taliban negotiations.

Analyzing the Mandate and Constraints

The core of Pakistan's position hinges on the specific mandate of any international force deployed in Gaza.

  • Peacekeeping vs. Enforcement: Pakistan's consistent articulation is that its role would be strictly limited to peacekeeping. This means maintaining peace, providing security, and facilitating humanitarian aid, but not enforcing peace terms or engaging in offensive actions.

  • Defining the Role: Deputy Prime Minister Dar has indicated that the exact mandate and terms of reference would define Pakistan's precise role. This suggests a careful evaluation process before any final commitment.

  • Internal Reflection: Article 3 emphasizes the need for "sober institutional reflection, strategic discipline and a clear understanding of Pakistan’s own force posture, sovereign imperatives and historical experience" when considering troop contributions.

Expert and Media Perspectives

Commentaries on Pakistan's potential involvement highlight both the opportunities and challenges.

  • Balancing Act: Analysts point to the delicate balance Pakistan must strike between its commitments to international stability and its own national interests and public sentiment.

  • Avoiding Complicity: The idea of "engagement without complicity" is raised, suggesting Pakistan aims to contribute to peace efforts without becoming entangled in actions it opposes or that could alienate key domestic or regional stakeholders.

  • Geopolitical Considerations: The involvement of other major powers, like the US and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stated position on vetting foreign forces, adds layers of complexity to Pakistan's decision-making process.

Conclusion: A Defined Role for Stabilisation

Pakistan's stance on a potential troop deployment to Gaza is characterized by a clear delineation of its intended role. The nation is prepared to contribute to peacekeeping efforts, aiming to stabilize the region and support humanitarian initiatives. However, it has drawn a firm line against any involvement in disarming Hamas or undertaking enforcement actions.

This position appears to be rooted in a combination of historical foreign policy principles, a desire to avoid direct conflict, and a strategic reorientation towards global peacekeeping diplomacy. The decision-making process remains ongoing, with the final terms of reference for any international force being a critical determinant of Pakistan's participation. The internal debate and external reactions underscore the sensitive nature of this potential deployment, marking Gaza as a significant test for Pakistan's evolving international role.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will Pakistan send troops to Gaza in 2026?
Yes, Pakistan has said it is ready to send troops to join an international peacekeeping force in Gaza in 2026. This is to help stabilize the region and support aid efforts.
Q: Will Pakistan's troops disarm Hamas in Gaza?
No, Pakistan has clearly stated it will not disarm Hamas. They will only take part in peacekeeping, not in enforcement or disarmament actions.
Q: Why is Pakistan not disarming Hamas?
Pakistan's foreign policy principle is to focus on peacekeeping and stability. They do not want to be involved in direct conflict or enforcement actions against groups like Hamas.
Q: What is Pakistan's role in the Gaza peacekeeping force?
Pakistan's role will be limited to peacekeeping duties. This means helping to keep the peace, providing security, and helping with humanitarian aid. They will not enforce any rules or engage in offensive actions.
Q: When did Pakistan make this decision about Gaza?
Pakistan's position has been made clear in late 2025, with statements from officials like Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in November 2025. The potential deployment is for 2026.
Q: Who is affected by Pakistan's decision on Gaza?
The people of Gaza, Hamas, and other international players involved in the conflict will be affected. Pakistan's decision shows its specific approach to international peacekeeping.