Gaza ‘peace’ or a new deal?
When it comes to peacekeeping, the general understanding is that it involves human feelings, principles and values. But this time the alleged revelation about Pakistani Army is saying something different. Meanwhile, questions are being raised on Pakistan that it is making the deployment of troops a ‘profitable deal’.
According to media reports, senior Pakistani journalist Asma Shirazi has claimed that General Asim Munir had asked for $10,000 per soldier from Israel for deployment in Gaza as part of the proposed peacekeepers. This news has ruined the image of Pakistan, which it had been maintaining for years by becoming the ‘protector of the interests of Muslims’.
Gaza ‘peace’ or a new deal?
Donald Trump had proposed creating a multinational International Stabilization Force (ISF) in his 20-point Gaza peace plan. In that proposal it was said that there would be no American troops in it, but Arab-International partners would be included in it. Pakistan had also talked about taking part in this plan.
According to media reports, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif had said that if Pakistan gets a chance to send troops to Gaza, it would be a matter of pride. Islamabad had planned to send about 20,000 soldiers. But what has been revealed now raises questions about the real intention of this mission.
Mercenaries: New face of Pakistani Army
Media reports said that if the claims of journalist Asma Shirazi are true, then it is an indication that Pakistan’s army can work for profit. Pakistan has also sent its soldiers abroad through foreign deployment in the past. But the demand for $10,000 per soldier for Gaza has taken this old image to a new level.
$10,000 rate
Media reports said that if 20,000 soldiers had been deployed in this deal, the total amount would have been $200 million. Israel reportedly rejected this proposal and offered only $100 per soldier. After these claims came to light, instead of being a responsible country, Pakistan is emerging as a ‘mercenary selling country’.
Pakistani army started looking only for profit?
Pakistan’s army has been accused of being ‘available for hire’ for years. Be it cash, services in exchange for oil, or strategic benefits. Now this allegation has come to light in a sensitive and globally visible war-focused place like Gaza. This is a big embarrassment for Pakistan. This not only affects its foreign policy image, but is also a reminder to the people of Pakistan that their military, which they consider their ‘national pride’, is now being used more for money than principles.