Athens, Feb 13 (NationPress) Pakistan's choice to join the International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza has led to a diplomatic crisis in Islamabad, raising doubts among radical Islamist groups such as Hamas. Pakistan argues that its involvement in the ISF reflects its commitment to supporting Palestinian welfare. However, this decision has ignited domestic opposition and cast shadows on Islamabad's credibility as a proponent of the Islamic cause, according to reports.

The ISF plays a pivotal role in US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace initiative for Gaza, which facilitated a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in October last year. In November, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed Resolution 2803, empowering the ISF to aid transitional governance, ensure security, and oversee demilitarization. Pakistan supported this resolution and is reportedly prepared to deploy around 3,500 soldiers, as acknowledged by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Despite the UNSC resolution, many operational aspects, including legal authority, command structure, funding, duration, and ISF's function in disarming Hamas, remain unclear. Pakistan's UN envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmed pointed out that the resolution lacked critical elements, such as a clear pathway to Palestinian statehood and mandate specifics. While the US plan includes disarming Palestinian factions, Pakistan has made it clear that it will not engage in missions aimed at disarming Hamas.

Hamas has expressed skepticism, outright rejecting the resolution, viewing any international force concerned with disarmament as a participant in the conflict rather than a neutral stabilizing influence. Although Hamas appears cautious about Pakistan's assurances, there are signs of tentative acceptance of the notion that the Board of Peace (BOP) operates alongside UNSC frameworks. Nevertheless, Hamas continues to observe the situation closely, as reported by Directus.

Pakistan has encountered numerous challenges following its involvement with the BOP and ISF. Critics have noted Pakistan's tendency to yield to international pressure during economic hardships. The nation's economy is heavily dependent on external financial aid, including loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and support from Gulf states, which may compel Islamabad to comply with ISF mandates, including the disarmament of Hamas, as per the Directus report.

In the meantime, Israeli officials have dismissed Pakistan's participation in Gaza, citing concerns about intelligence sharing and the absence of diplomatic relations. There are apprehensions regarding Pakistan's ties with Palestinian militant factions, calling into question its capacity to act as a neutral peacekeeper. Pakistan's decision to join ISF has drawn criticism from Islamist and opposition parties at home.

Islamic parties and opposition leaders have condemned this move as a capitulation to Western interests. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, criticized how Pakistan could be part of a forum that includes Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, claiming it is self-deception considering the suffering in Gaza. Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, the chief of Jamaat-e-Islami, labeled Trump's Board of Peace as a new form of colonialism, denouncing the participation of Tony Blair. The party warned of global protests if the Board's actions adversely affect Gazans. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan stated that Pakistan is partaking in a plan to disarm Gaza's resistance.