Saturday, March 29, 2025
Islamabad has distanced itself from a 20-point Gaza peace proposal, despite previously calling for U.S. President Donald Trump to be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar formally announced in parliament that Pakistan no longer supports the plan. Dar stated that the final document was altered from the original draft prepared collectively by Muslim nations. “This is not our draft. The changes made were not with our consent,” he said. With this move, Pakistan became the first major country to officially back away from the proposal. Notably, Hamas had already approved it.
According to Dar, the American-announced peace plan differed significantly from the version agreed upon by Muslim states. His remarks underlined Islamabad’s rejection of what it sees as U.S. interference and alteration of the consensus draft.
Sources revealed that Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, approved the tough stance. The military reportedly does not want the plan to be perceived as granting legitimacy to American or Israeli interests.
Analysts believe the decision reflects domestic political and religious pressures. Hardline groups and pro-Palestinian lobbies inside Pakistan strongly oppose any framework that disarms Hamas or implies partial recognition of Israel.
An intelligence-based report carried by News-18 suggested that Islamabad’s announcement was also intended as a face-saving measure. The government wanted to signal to the public that Pakistan had resisted U.S. pressure and refused to compromise on its principles.
By taking this position, Pakistan aims to reassure Muslim countries that it is not stepping back from Islamic unity or betraying the Palestinian cause. At the same time, insiders confirm that Pakistan will continue behind-the-scenes diplomatic engagement with the United States and Arab states, even while rejecting the proposal publicly.
