In a surprising diplomatic development, Pakistan has publicly distanced itself from U.S. President Donald Trump's recently unveiled 20-point plan for Gaza. The move created a degree of confusion after Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, had initially seemed to welcome the initiative.Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar clarified the government's position, stating that the final plan announced by Washington was not the version that Pakistan, along with a coalition of other Muslim-majority nations, had endorsed. "I have made it clear that these 20 points which Trump has made public are not ours," Dar announced in Parliament. "These are not the same as ours. I say that some changes have been made in it, in the draft we had."The controversy began when Prime Minister Sharif took to social media to laud Trump's efforts, a move that drew criticism within Pakistan for seemingly aligning too closely with a U.S.-led proposal on a sensitive issue.However, Dar explained that Sharif's initial remarks were a general response and that the final plan released by the White House contained significant alterations from the original draft submitted by the coalition, which included countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey.A key point of divergence appears to be the conditions for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The original proposal from the Muslim nations called for a complete Israeli withdrawal. In contrast, the Trump plan outlines a more limited, partial pullback of Israeli forces, which is tied to the release of hostages.The 20-point plan announced by President Trump includes:An immediate ceasefire and the return of all hostages within 72 hours.The release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.The establishment of a "terror-free" and "deradicalized" Gaza.The formation of a transitional governing body.A major redevelopment plan for what is being termed "New Gaza."Foreign Minister Dar explained that the Muslim countries had entered into discussions with the U.S. in a sincere effort to find a "workable solution" to the devastating conflict after other international efforts had stalled. He acknowledged that while some of their suggestions were included in the final document, crucial elements were changed.The incident highlights the complex and sensitive nature of the ongoing diplomatic negotiations surrounding the Gaza crisis. Pakistan's government is now making it clear that its support remains with the original, unaltered proposal that aligns with its long-standing policy on a two-state solution, and not the final version presented by President Trump.
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