Pakistan Expresses Support for Gaza Peacekeeping Force Amid Questions and Concerns

Survey Reveals Support for Pakistani Troop Deployment to Gaza

A recent survey conducted by Gallup Pakistan found that nearly three-quarters of the country’s population supports deploying troops to the Gaza Strip as part of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF). The poll, which was conducted from January 15 to February 3, involved random telephone interviews with 1,600 respondents and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2-3 percentage points.

The survey’s findings indicate that 73% of Pakistanis support sending a contingent of the country’s military to Gaza, with 55% expressing “strong” support and 18% “slight” support. Only 6% opposed the deployment, while 16% were undecided.

The results come as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to attend the first formal meeting of the United States President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace (BoP) on February 19. Pakistan joined the board alongside several other Muslim-majority countries last month.

The ISF was proposed by the US in September, along with the BoP, as part of a 20-point plan to try to end the war in Gaza. The plan includes a “ceasefire” that started in October and is expected to be followed by the creation and deployment of an international peacekeeping force.

The BoP’s charter does not mention Gaza once, but permanent membership requires a $1bn contribution for a three-year term. The UN Security Council resolution establishing the board limits its mandate in Gaza until the end of 2027.

A Gallup Pakistan executive director noted that the results show a divergence between Pakistan’s elites and the broader public on the issue of deploying troops to Gaza. Some respondents expressed concerns about the potential impact on Pakistan’s diplomatic standing, while others saw the deployment as an opportunity for the country to play a role in shaping a resolution to the conflict.

The survey’s findings provide insight into the views of Pakistanis on this complex and sensitive issue, highlighting the need for further discussion and analysis.

Source: Al Jazeera