Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan proposed amendments to the U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan to ensure that peace efforts are effective while protecting Palestinian rights. However, he noted that these suggestions were not included in the initial draft released by the American side.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Dar confirmed that eight Muslim countries, including Pakistan, have endorsed the proposed peace initiative, but a final decision on military participation will be made by Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership.
He revealed that Indonesia has already announced the deployment of 20,000 peacekeeping personnel to Palestine, while Pakistan is also seriously deliberating on its role. “Our proposals were designed to strengthen the peace process without altering its core points or triggering objections from Palestinian leadership,” Dar explained.
According to the Deputy PM, Pakistan’s suggestions were later shared with Saudi Arabia and other partner countries, receiving partial agreement. However, the initial draft circulated by the U.S. did not include them.
He praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s clear and firm stance on the Palestinian issue at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, stating that the Palestinian leadership, Türkiye, and other Muslim countries appreciated Pakistan’s efforts.
Dar also mentioned that eight Muslim countries issued a joint declaration calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid access, Israeli troop withdrawal, and a two-state solution — a move welcomed by the Palestinian Authority.
Rejecting political criticism of the peace plan, Dar questioned:
“Do those criticizing the initiative want the bloodshed in Gaza to continue? Should innocent children die of hunger while we remain silent spectators?”
He emphasized that such humanitarian crises should not be used for political point-scoring, urging unity and responsibility.
Dar further disclosed that several high-level but classified meetings took place during the UNGA between U.S. President Donald Trump and leaders of Muslim nations. He said these meetings were conducted discreetly, with no digital communication, relying instead on hardcopy message exchanges and direct discussions.
He concluded by noting that classified proposals were exchanged to finalize the operational details of the plan, and that Pakistan actively participated at every stage with full seriousness.
