ISLAMABAD – A political storm erupted as Defence Minister Khawaja Asif publicly rebuked and remarks by government spokesperson Danyal Chaudhry, who claimed Islamabad might take part in a Gaza peacekeeping mission tasked with disarming Hamas.
Khawaja Asif said none of this represents Pakistan’s stance. These statements are completely inappropriate. His response came days after Chaudhry’s controversial comments on talk show, where he suggested Islamabad could help enforce peace in Gaza, prevent extremism and cross-border attacks, and even participate in Hamas’s disarmament under a new international force.
“Pakistan will ensure there’s no violence or terrorism,” Chaudhry had declared, adding that soldiers’ safety would be the government’s “top priority.”
His remarks sent shockwaves through diplomatic and political circles, and minister wasted no time calling them out.
Asif said he has no information on any such mandate, saying if someone is making these claims on TV, it’s completely unacceptable. When asked whether he would support any force aimed at disarming Hamas, Asif was blunt: “Absolutely not. There has been no such discussion, and I would not endorse it.”
Some local media reports claim talks are underway within the Pakistani top leadership regarding participation in the International Stabilisation Force (ISF).
