KARACHI: Contentious remarks about the possible role of Pakistani troops in the Gaza peace force were criticised by a member of the federal cabinet on Friday, after a government aide claimed that Hamas would have to be disarmed in order for “things to move forward”, Dawn.com reported.

The establishment of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF), composed mainly of troops from Muslim-majority countries, is a cornerstone of the US-brokered Gaza peace agreement. Officials familiar with the deliberations had earlier told Dawn that discussions within the government and military establishment on this issue are at an “advanced stage”.

According to officials close to the discussions, an announcement from the federal government regarding the decision to send Pakistani troops to Gaza is expected soon.

In an interview on ARY News earlier this week, Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Danyal Chaudhry was asked about the mandate of the Gaza peace force.

Khawaja Asif voices his opposition to Danyal Chaudhry’s remarks on Hamas’ disarmament

“Pakistan and the other countries that will be chosen will make sure there is no extremism or violence … or that there is no cross-border attack. Pakistan will enforce that,” he had said.

Mr Chaudhry also said that the security of any Pakistani soldier deputed for duty in the force would be the utmost priority.

“We will fulfil our duty and protect Muslim brothers and make sure there are no cross-border violations or terrorism.”

Questioned if the mandate would also include the disarmament of Hamas, Mr Chaudhry had said: “Yes absolutely, if [Hamas] will be disarmed, only then the other force will be able to carry on. Things will only move forward after disarmament.”

However, when questioned about the parliamentary aide’s remarks, Khawaja Asif told Geo News: “Nothing like this is our target, or suits us”.

“I will say God forbid on all these three remarks; what kind of statement has he given?”

Addressing the matter while slamming Chaudhry’s remarks, Asif said Pakistan would follow whatever collective decision is taken for the force. He also questioned on whose behalf the federal parliamentary secretary was speaking in terms of enforcing peace.

He agreed when asked that the inclusion of any Pakistani troops in such a force in the face of continued Israeli bombing would cause a complicated situation.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2025