New Delhi, Nov 29 (UNI) Pakistan on Saturday confirmed that it will send its security forces to Gaza as part of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) but asserted that their role would be limited to maintaining peace and not de-militarising the Palestinians.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said at a press conference that the troops would, however, be sent under a UN Security Council mandate. He said the ISF mandate should be made clear.
An announcement will be made soon, he added.
“Pakistan’s job is to ensure peace. We are ready to give our forces, but the mandate of the International Stabilisation Force for Gaza must be clearly chalked out…We are not ready for that (demilitarising). This is not our job. Our job is peacekeeping, not peace enforcement. We are definitely ready to contribute to the force. But the decision cannot be taken until it is decided what is ISF mandate and terms of reference,’’ he said in reply to a question.
The setting up of the ISF is part of the United States’ Gaza Peace plan.
Ishaq Dar’s press conference was dominated by Afghanistan developments and Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan.
