On September 30, US President Donald Trump announced that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir fully support his plan to resolve the ongoing Gaza conflict, stating they are “100 per cent” behind the initiative. He highlighted their involvement in negotiations during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
Trump revealed the comprehensive principles for peace in Gaza amid extensive discussions with various global leaders. He noted, “These are done in total consideration and working with the nations that we’re talking about. All of these nations have made contributions to those suggestions.”
The president expressed gratitude to numerous Arab and Muslim nations for their support in framing the proposal, acknowledging the critical roles played by leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and others in the region.
During his remarks, Trump specifically referenced the significant contributions of the King of Saudi Arabia and the Emir of Qatar, complimenting their leadership and involvement. He remarked, “These are the people that we’ve been dealing with, who have been actually very much involved in this negotiation.”
He praised the King of Jordan, Turkish President Erdogan, and Indonesian leader Prabowo Subianto as prominent figures in the discussions surrounding Gaza. Trump emphasized the cooperative spirit and active participation of these leaders, stating that both the Prime Minister and Field Marshal of Pakistan had engaged with him consistently throughout the negotiations.
Trump shared that he received a statement from both leaders confirming their unwavering support for the proposed peace pact, noting, “They back this 100 per cent.” This strong endorsement will likely hold significant weight in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure peace.
The US President’s ‘Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict’ aims to create a terror-free zone in Gaza, with provisions for redevelopment and the restoration of stability. The plan stipulates that once both parties agree, Israeli military forces will withdraw to pre-established lines to facilitate the release of hostages. During this period, all military operations would be halted, asserting a focus on peace over continued conflict.
According to the plan, hostages, including deceased individuals, must be returned within 72 hours of Israel’s public acceptance of the agreement. Furthermore, Israel is expected to release 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 Gaza detainees, particularly women and children, following the release of hostages.
A detailed mechanism for the exchange of hostages will also be established, where, for each Israeli hostage recovered, the remains of 15 Gazans will be returned, promoting a sense of fairness and reciprocity.
Following Trump’s announcement, foreign ministers from several nations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, and Pakistan, issued a statement praising Trump’s diplomatic leadership in the region. They underscored his efforts to provide humanitarian assistance, ensure the security of all parties involved, and facilitate a lasting peace.
The foreign ministers collectively affirmed their commitment to collaborate with the United States in achieving a comprehensive agreement that prioritizes humanitarian aid, the preservation of Palestinian rights, and a solution grounded in international law.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif participated in high-level discussions at the United Nations General Assembly prior to his meeting with President Trump, highlighting the importance of international coordination in addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Early this summer, Trump had also hosted Field Marshal Munir in the White House, emphasizing deepening ties between the US and Pakistan.
The active engagement of Pakistan in these discussions signifies a crucial step in the broader Arab and international efforts to mediate peace in a region long plagued by conflict.
