Pakistan Says Willing To Deploy Troops Under ISF In Gaza, Seeks Time From US Over Domestic Hurdles

Last Updated:January 23, 2026, 08:59 IST

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir were part of Pakistan-US engagements at Davos, which included a meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Pakistan Field Marshal and Chief Of Army Staff Asim Munir and US President Donald Trump. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Pakistan has signalled conditional willingness to deploy troops as part of the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza, but has sought a clear political and operational roadmap, along with time to prepare domestic narrative, according to top security sources familiar with high-level discussions in Davos.

Sources told CNN-News18 that the issue figured prominently during a series of meetings between Pakistani and American officials on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir were part of the engagements, which included a meeting with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

During the discussions, Pakistani officials conveyed that Islamabad is “in principle" prepared to contribute troops to an international force aimed at stabilisation and humanitarian support in post-conflict Gaza. However, they underlined that Pakistan would require clarity on the mandate, command structure and political end-state of the force, as well as sufficient time to build a supportive narrative at home given strong domestic sensitivities around Gaza.

According to a top security source, Munir assured US officials of Pakistan’s willingness to provide security cooperation and possible troop deployment under an international framework. In return, Pakistan sought a deeper strategic partnership with Washington, particularly in countering rising terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan, which Islamabad has repeatedly flagged as a growing national security concern.

Sources said Munir briefed President Trump and Secretary Rubio on Pakistan’s assessment of the security situation along its western borders, linking the surge in militant activity to developments in Afghanistan. Pakistan, sources added, is seeking enhanced intelligence sharing, security coordination and long-term strategic engagement with the United States in both South Asia and the broader Middle East.

However, the discussions also revealed significant diplomatic hurdles. US officials informed Pakistan that Israel is not comfortable with the participation of Pakistan and Türkiye in any potential Gaza stabilisation force, complicating the evolving framework for the ISF.

Despite these differences, both sides agreed to establish a joint working group and a broader security cooperation mechanism to take forward discussions on Gaza, counter-terrorism and regional stability. Beyond security, the Davos meetings also touched upon economic cooperation, including exploratory proposals related to crypto frameworks, mining and minerals, and other bilateral initiatives.

Sources indicated that multiple proposals have already been exchanged and that engagement will continue. The next round of talks on the Gaza ISF and the proposed US-Pakistan strategic partnership is expected in the coming weeks, possibly in February or March, as both sides assess political and regional constraints.

News world Pakistan Says Willing To Deploy Troops Under ISF In Gaza, Seeks Time From US Over Domestic Hurdles

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