Will we send troops to Gaza or keep distance? Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir’s dilemma, how to deny Trump

Pakistani army chief amid ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas Asim Munir Are busy preparing to send army there. This decision has put him in trouble. Everyone’s eyes are on whether Munir will send Pakistani army to Gaza, ignoring domestic pressure, economic crisis and global diplomacy. That too when the ongoing fierce conflict in Gaza has posed both moral and diplomatic challenges to Muslim countries. In such a situation, a situation like ‘well in front, ditch behind’ has arisen in front of Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir. Where every decision can prove costly for them on some front or the other.

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Trump’s pressure

Due to Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, massive demonstrations are taking place on the streets of Pakistan. Religious organizations are openly demanding intervention from the government and the army in Gaza. This question is being echoed from social media to Parliament whether Pakistan will just give statements or do something on the ground also.

Why is the decision difficult for Munir?

For Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, the decision to send troops is risky on many levels. There may be resentment from America and Western countries on sending the army, threat of international sanctions and financial assistance from IMF may be affected. The anger of religious groups within the country, pressure on the government and the credibility of the army may be questioned.

Islamic solidarity vs diplomacy

Pakistan is already facing a serious economic crisis. Its dependence on IMF loans and foreign aid makes any military adventure almost impossible. Sending troops to Gaza will not only prove costly economically but can also isolate Pakistan on the global stage.

On the other hand, Pakistan’s concern is that it has been calling itself the leader of the Islamic world for a long time. Maintaining silence on the Gaza issue may harm this image, but on the other hand, the diplomatic reality is that Pakistan neither has the direct military capability nor the global support to enter into a complex war like Gaza. Experts believe that Asim Munir can adopt a middle path in such a dilemma. Such as strong statements in support of Gaza, diplomatic pressure in OIC and United Nations, sending humanitarian aid and relief material. So that it is possible to distance oneself from direct military intervention.

According to a Reuters report, Michael Kugelman, senior fellow for South Asia at the Washington-based Atlantic Council, said, “Not sending forces to Gaza may anger Trump, which is no small thing for a Pakistani government. Asim Munir has so far been very eager to remain in good standing in his eyes, especially from the point of view of getting American investment and security help.

One wrong step can shake Pakistan

In fact, Asim Munir, who became CDF, has become the decisive face of not only security policy but also internal politics and foreign policy. But she is now standing at a juncture where one wrong step can shake the entire Pakistani system. This is the demand of the proposed ‘International Stabilization Force’ for Gaza. People of Tehreek-e-Labbaik and other fundamentalist organizations in Pakistan have been raising their voice against Israel and America on the streets and on media platforms. Now they are being asked to play an important role in Gaza.

America wants the Pakistani army to disarm Hamas in Gaza. Before doing so, Field Marshal Asim Munir may go to Washington to meet President Donald Trump in the coming weeks. This will be their third meeting in six months, in which the focus will probably be on Gaza Force. There is discussion in diplomatic circles that Washington wants contribution from Muslim-majority countries for this multinational force. So that his campaign gets legitimacy.