Pakistan’s Army Chief, Asim Munir, has committed troops to support President Donald Trump’s Gaza stabilisation project. This move comes amid a more transactional relationship with the US, raising concerns about potential backlash. Munir seeks guarantees on tenure, investment, and support over Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Munir’s rise to power aligns with Trump’s Gaza project, fostering a transactional understanding between Pakistan and the US. While Munir provides troops for the International Stabilisation Force in Gaza, he expects economic support and political cover in return. However, there are worries about Pakistan’s historical tendency to promise more than it delivers.
With firm control over the military and intelligence apparatus, Munir’s authority is solidified, overshadowing civilian leadership and challenging Imran Khan’s political standing. The Army Chief’s consolidation of power and crackdown on opposition have made him the de facto ruler, facing blame for economic woes and strategic setbacks.
External support has become crucial for Munir’s survival, leading him to seek assurances from Washington. These include backing for extending his tenure, economic aid for Pakistan’s struggling economy, and overlooking actions against Imran Khan. Failure to meet commitments could force Washington to reconsider its partnership with Pakistan, posing risks for both parties.
