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The move, reportedly being orchestrated with the backing of Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, comes even before a formal rejection of the peace proposal by Hamas
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif (left), US President Donald Trump (centre) and Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir at a meeting. File image
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has officially disowned the 20-point Gaza peace plan announced by US President Donald Trump, clarifying in parliament that the document was “not ours” and that “changes have been made to our draft” originally proposed by Muslim-majority nations. With this, Pakistan has emerged as the first major nation to officially distance itself from the proposal, acting even before a formal rejection from Hamas.
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This public repudiation comes just days after the US plan, which calls for a ceasefire, hostage-prisoner swap, phased Israeli withdrawal, and the disarmament of Hamas, was made public.
The swift rejection policy is reportedly being orchestrated with the backing of the Pakistan Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, underscoring the military establishment’s firm stance against legitimising elements of the US-Israel-backed framework.
Furthermore, intelligence sources said Pakistan is likely to send a message to the Hamas leadership, encouraging them to also reject the plan, thereby aligning its regional policy with the hardline position on the peace framework.
The move to formally distance itself is understood to be a strategic necessity for the Pakistani government to navigate intense domestic political and religious pressure. Top Indian intelligence sources suggest that this public narrative—”Trump’s plan, not ours”—is a crucial exercise in face-saving. By disowning the framework, Islamabad avoids the appearance of having capitulated to a US-driven peace process.
Pakistan’s deeply entrenched pro-Palestine lobby and influential Islamist political parties have been vocal against any deal perceived as tacitly legitimising Israel. Elements within the Trump plan, such as the stipulation for Hamas disarmament, are seen as non-starters for the radical segment of the domestic audience. Dar’s clarification is a signal to these powerful groups that the government remains uncompromised and is not aligned with the US vision, thereby preempting significant street protests and political backlash.
Furthermore, Islamabad seeks to prevent accusations from hardline Arab states or rival regional power Iran that it has “sold out” the Muslim cause. While the official stance is one of rejection and differentiation for the domestic and regional audience, intelligence sources indicate that Pakistan will privately “play along” with the negotiations in Washington and various Arab capitals. This dual strategy allows Pakistan to maintain its hardline ideological position in public while continuing to engage diplomatically behind the scenes to seek a resolution to the conflict.
About the Author
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
October 03, 2025, 17:45 IST
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