Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir is reported to have requested US $10,000 per soldier for deploying troops to a proposed Gaza peacekeeping mission, while Israel reportedly offered only US $100 per soldier. The figures, if accurate, suggest a massive disparity in expectations between the two sides.
The mission was part of a US-backed International Stabilisation Force plan in Gaza, intended to train Palestinian police, secure border areas, and assist with reconstruction, without involving direct US ground troops. Pakistan had publicly expressed willingness to participate, with its Defence Minister stating that Islamabad would be proud to contribute.
Reports indicate that the demand could amount to nearly US $200 million for 20,000 troops Pakistan was reportedly offering. Analysts say this reinforces the perception of Pakistan’s military acting as a “renter army,” providing forces abroad for financial or diplomatic gain rather than strategic reasons.
The claims have provoked domestic criticism, with social media users questioning whether their soldiers are effectively ‘for sale.’ Critics warn that if confirmed, the episode could damage Pakistan’s image as a principled supporter of Muslim causes and raise doubts about the motivations behind its foreign military deployments.
No official statement has been issued by Pakistan or Israel to confirm the figures. Nevertheless, the reports have stirred debate internationally, highlighting sensitivities around military contracts, peacekeeping ethics, and Pakistan’s role in global missions amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
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