Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir Faces Global Attention Over Trump’s Gaza Plan
Pakistan’s most powerful military chief in decades, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is facing his biggest test yet after gaining sweeping new powers. Washington is pressing Islamabad to contribute troops to a proposed force aimed at stabilizing Gaza, a move analysts warn could trigger strong backlash inside Pakistan.
Two sources told Reuters that Munir is expected to visit Washington in the coming weeks, where he will meet U.S President Donald Trump. This would be their third meeting in six months, and discussions are likely to focus on the proposed Gaza force. One of the sources plays a key role in the general’s economic diplomacy.
Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan envisions a force made up of Muslim countries to oversee reconstruction and economic recovery in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory. Gaza has been heavily damaged by more than two years of Israeli military bombardment.
Many countries remain cautious about joining the mission, which aims to disarm Hamas, Gaza’s Islamist armed group. They fear being drawn into direct conflict and angering their pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel populations at home.
Despite this, Munir has built close ties with the unpredictable Trump in an effort to reset years of mistrust between Washington and Islamabad. In June, Munir was invited to a private White House lunch — the first time a U.S. president hosted a Pakistani army chief without civilian officials present.
Michael Kugelman, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, said refusing to join the Gaza stabilization force could anger Trump. “That would matter for a country like Pakistan, which appears eager to keep him satisfied — especially to secure U.S. investment and security assistance,” he said.
Pressure to Prove Capability
Pakistan, the world’s only Muslim country with nuclear weapons, has a large and battle-hardened army. It has fought three wars with rival India and a brief clash earlier this year. It has also dealt with insurgencies in remote regions and is currently battling Islamist militants it says are operating from Afghanistan.
Defense analyst Ayesha Siddiqa said Pakistan’s military strength puts extra pressure on Munir to demonstrate its capabilities.
Pakistan’s army, foreign ministry, and information ministry did not respond to Reuters’ questions. The White House also declined to comment.
Last month, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan could consider sending troops for a peace mission, but stressed that disarming Hamas “is not our responsibility.”
Unprecedented Authority
Earlier this month, Munir was appointed Chief of Defence Forces, giving him authority over the army, air force, and navy. His term has been extended until 2030.
He will retain the title of Field Marshal for life, and recent constitutional amendments passed by parliament grant him lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution.
Kugelman said few people in Pakistan have as much freedom to take risks as Munir. “He has unchecked power, now protected by the constitution. Ultimately, decisions will be his — and his alone.”
Domestic Risks
In recent weeks, Munir has met military and civilian leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, and Qatar. According to analysts, these meetings were likely consultations about the Gaza force.
At home, however, the biggest concern is that deploying Pakistani troops under a U.S.-backed plan in Gaza could reignite protests from Islamist groups strongly opposed to the U.S. and Israel.
These groups have the ability to mobilize thousands of supporters. One powerful and violent anti-Israel Islamist group was banned in October after campaigning for strict blasphemy laws. Authorities arrested over 1,500 members and froze its assets.
Although banned, its ideology remains influential.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party — whose supporters won the most seats in the 2024 election — is also deeply hostile toward Munir.
Abdul Basit, a senior fellow at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, warned that if the Gaza force becomes active on the ground and the situation worsens, trouble could escalate quickly.
“People will say, ‘Asim Munir is working for Israel’s interests,’” he said. “Anyone who fails to see this reaction coming would be extremely naïve.”
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