ISLAMABAD; Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday distanced Pakistan from US President Donald Trump’s recently announced 20-point Gaza plan, stressing that it was an American initiative, not a Pakistani one.
“This is not our document; it was issued by the United States,” Dar told reporters at a press conference in Islamabad.
He explained that while Pakistan had raised key concerns, not all of its proposals were incorporated in the White House draft. “There are areas we want addressed … if they are not included yet, they will be added,” he noted.
Dar outlined the immediate goals of the plan as halting the bloodshed, ensuring a ceasefire, facilitating the flow of humanitarian aid, preventing forced displacement, and paving the way for reconstruction in Gaza.
He said Pakistan would stand by the joint statement issued last week by eight Muslim countries after their meeting with Trump in New York. “We own this. Our commitment is to that joint statement,” he emphasized.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, included leaders from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Turkiye, and Indonesia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier welcomed Trump’s plan, particularly after the US president announced Israel’s agreement during a joint press conference with PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump had publicly thanked Shehbaz and Pakistan’s army chief, Gen. Asim Munir, for their support.
Dar added that prior consultations among Muslim leaders had focused on seeking a ceasefire, securing humanitarian access, stopping the annexation of the West Bank, ensuring the return of displaced Palestinians, and establishing a roadmap for Gaza’s rebuilding.
“When these objectives were conveyed to President Trump, he proposed working with our foreign ministers to prepare a workable solution,” he said.
The minister also revealed that sensitive details of the talks were classified, though Pakistan had actively coordinated with Saudi Arabia and others on a final joint statement.
The Palestinian Authority, he noted, had welcomed the outcome, even as some critics at home raised objections.
On the question of international peacekeepers, Dar said the envisioned Gaza force would primarily involve Palestinian law-enforcement, backed by an international oversight body.
Indonesia has already offered 20,000 troops, while Pakistan’s contribution would depend on future leadership decisions. “This will be a special force only for Gaza, under UN documentation,” he stressed.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s long-standing stance, Dar said: “Our policy on the two-state solution is unchanged. There will be no compromise on halting West Bank annexation.”
When asked about Hamas’ position, he said two Arab countries with close ties to the group had assured Pakistan that Hamas was on board with the proposed plan. While he declined to name both, he confirmed that Qatar was one of them.
