Pakistan Military Says Government Will Decide on Gaza Force

PESHAWAR: DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan will decide on any Gaza peacekeeping force. He emphasized that the government and parliament hold the authority to make such decisions. “Pakistan is a sovereign state capable of forming policies and protecting its borders and citizens,” he said during a press conference in Peshawar.

The DG ISPR clarified that constitutional amendments, including the 27th Amendment, are the government and parliament’s responsibility. He added that the military can provide recommendations if requested. Lieutenant General Sharif also emphasized that elected politicians, including KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, build the state, and institutions must coordinate with them. He stressed that governor’s rule lies solely with the government.

He highlighted Pakistan’s stance on terrorism, stating that there will be no negotiations with terrorists. Pakistan’s response to the Afghan Taliban was immediate and effective, producing desired results. He warned that drug smugglers interfere in Afghan politics, smuggling large amounts of narcotics into Pakistan. He added that Afghanistan requires a government supported by all segments of society, including women, to achieve stability and development.

Lieutenant General Sharif revealed that discussions in Doha and Istanbul focused on ending cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan. Pakistan conducted 6,200 intelligence-based operations, killing 1,667 foreign terrorists, including 128 Afghan nationals. Operations continue in Tirah and other Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions, with efforts to destroy poppy crops. However, political, criminal, and terrorist groups obstruct these operations, often drawing objections from certain political elements.

He also noted a sharp rise in religious seminaries in Pakistan, increasing from 38,000 in 2014 to over 100,000. Registration of these seminaries remains unresolved, requiring urgent attention. Lieutenant General Sharif stressed that addressing these issues is crucial to strengthening security, curbing terrorism, and regulating education across the country.

Read More : Pakistan Joins Istanbul Meeting on Gaza Peace Plan

A consultative meeting on the Gaza peace plan is being held today in Istanbul, Turkey, with foreign ministers from eight countries, including Pakistan, in attendance. Pakistan will be represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The meeting aims to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Indonesia, Jordan, and Egypt will also participate in the meeting. The primary focus of the discussions will be on enforcing the ceasefire, removing obstacles to aid delivery, and agreeing on a joint strategy to help the people of Gaza.