Pakistan Reverses Support for Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

Islamabad, Oct 2025 : Just days after publicly backing US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, Pakistan has reversed its position, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar declaring that Islamabad’s stance was misrepresented.

Speaking in the National Assembly on Friday, Dar said the proposal unveiled by Trump was not aligned with the draft that Muslim nations had agreed upon.

“I made it clear that the 20 points that President Trump made public are not ours. Changes were made to our draft. I have the record,” Dar said, according to leading daily Dawn. “This is the end result, and there is no room for politicking,” he added, underlining that Pakistan’s policy remained consistent with the broader Muslim consensus.

Contradiction With Prime Minister’s Endorsement

Dar’s remarks contradicted recent comments by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who had welcomed Trump’s plan and expressed hope that it could bring stability to the Middle East.

In a widely shared post on X, Sharif had said:
“I am convinced that durable peace between the Palestinian people and Israel would be essential in bringing political stability and economic growth to the region. It is also my firm belief that President Trump is fully prepared to assist in whatever way necessary to make this extremely important and urgent understanding a reality.”

He further lauded Trump’s leadership and credited US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for his role in pushing forward negotiations. Sharif also underscored the importance of a two-state solution as central to achieving lasting peace.

The endorsement from the Pakistani Prime Minister drew strong criticism domestically, with opposition leaders and civil society accusing the government of betraying the Palestinian cause by aligning too closely with Washington.

Joint Muslim Nations Statement

Earlier this week, Pakistan joined Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt in a joint communiqué praising US efforts to end the conflict.

“The ministers affirm their readiness to engage positively and constructively with the United States and the parties toward finalising the agreement and ensuring its implementation, in a manner that ensures peace, security, and stability for the peoples of the region,” the joint statement read.

The show of collective support was seen as a significant diplomatic boost for Washington as it sought international backing for its peace framework.

The US Proposal

The 20-point plan was unveiled at the White House earlier this week when Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to the proposal, Hamas would release hostages in exchange for a ceasefire, paving the way for negotiations on broader political arrangements.

“Now it’s time for Hamas to accept the terms of the plan that we’ve put forward today. I’m hearing Hamas wants to get this done,” Trump said, urging swift acceptance.

Political Fallout in Pakistan

Dar’s sudden reversal highlights divisions within Pakistan’s leadership over the country’s positioning on the Gaza war and relations with the United States. Analysts suggest the government is attempting to balance domestic outrage with the diplomatic necessity of engaging with Washington and other regional players.

With Islamabad walking back its initial endorsement, Pakistan’s final position on Trump’s Gaza peace plan remains uncertain. For now, the Foreign Minister’s remarks signal that the country will continue to align itself with the collective stance of Muslim nations rather than unilaterally endorsing Washington’s blueprint.