Pakistan Officially Denies Planned US Visit for Army Chief and Gaza Troop Deployment

ISLAMABAD, December 20, 2025 – The Government of Pakistan has categorically denied international media reports suggesting a planned visit to the United States by Field Marshal Asim Munir and reiterated that it has made no decision on contributing troops to a proposed international force for Gaza.

The Foreign Office's statement, delivered by spokesperson Tahir Andrabi during the weekly press briefing, directly contradicts recent reporting and clarifies Pakistan's official position on two major geopolitical matters.

Official Denial of Planned Military Visit

Spokesperson Andrabi explicitly refuted a news report that claimed Field Marshal Munir, the Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief, was scheduled to travel to Washington to meet US President Donald Trump.

• Contradiction of Report: Andrabi stated he could "contradict the report in its essence," explaining that the report incorrectly conveyed a sense of finality about a visit that has not been planned or finalized.

• Official Protocol Stressed: He emphasized that official visits by Pakistan's leadership are always announced formally in advance by the government. No such announcement has been made regarding this alleged trip.

• White House Corroboration: This denial aligns with background comments from a White House official, who also stated that no meeting between President Trump and Field Marshal Munir was scheduled "at this time".

No Decision on Gaza Stabilization Force

In response to questions, the Foreign Office also clarified Pakistan's position regarding a proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza, which is part of a broader international framework.

• Sovereign Decision Pending: Andrabi confirmed that "Pakistan has not taken any decision on joining a proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza".

• No Formal Request Received: He further stated that Pakistan has "received no formal request from the United States or any other country" regarding troop contribution. Discussions on the force are described as ongoing in "certain capitals" but have not reached Pakistan as a specific, formal proposal.

• Domestic and Strategic Sensitivities: Analysts note that any potential deployment would be highly sensitive in Pakistan, given overwhelming public support for the Palestinian cause and opposition to actions perceived as legitimizing Israeli control. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has previously stated that "disarming Hamas is not our job," indicating clear limits on any potential Pakistani role.

Context and Broader Regional Issues

The press briefing also covered other critical foreign policy issues:

• Indus Waters Treaty: Pakistan accused India of manipulating the flow of the Chenab River without prior notice, calling it a violation of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty and a threat to regional stability.

• Afghanistan Security: The Foreign Office cited a recent UN Security Council report as confirmation of Pakistan's long-standing concerns about terrorist groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operating from Afghan soil.

Official Statement: "Pakistan's foreign and security policy decisions are made sovereignly and in line with our national interests. Speculative reporting does not reflect the official position. Any future developments on high-level visits or international commitments will be communicated through proper official channels," said Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi.