According to reports by Reuters, Pakistan has made it clear that it will not participate in any efforts to disarm Hamas in Gaza unless it receives assurances from the United States that its potential military deployment will be involved strictly in a peacekeeping capacity, rather than in any disarmament operations. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is set to attend the inaugural meeting of a peace council initiated by former President Donald Trump, alongside delegations from over 20 other nations, where he plans to seek clarity on the objectives of an international stabilization force proposed for the region.

During Sharif’s visit to Washington, he is expected to address concerns regarding the overarching goals and governance of the proposed stabilization force, especially its command structure, before making any decisions on sending Pakistani troops to Gaza. The meeting is also anticipated to include an announcement from Trump regarding a substantial reconstruction plan for Gaza worth billions of dollars, which highlights the gravity of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the area. Pakistan’s position underscores the delicate balance that Islamabad aims to maintain in its foreign policy amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East and its own national interests.

Sharif's insistence on a peacekeeping-only deployment is reflective of Pakistan's historical reluctance to engage in military interventions that could compromise its sovereignty or place its troops in contentious roles. As the international community grapples with the Gaza crisis, Pakistan’s stance may influence both bilateral relations with the U.S. and its role in multilateral discussions about stabilization efforts in the region, marking a significant moment in its foreign policy strategy regarding Middle Eastern affairs.