“Great leaders coming — Prime Minister of Pakistan coming and Field Marshal (Asim Munir) coming. Field Marshal of Pakistan is a great guy and so is the Prime Minister of Pakistan — both coming. They may be in this room somewhere — I do not know, we are late (laughing), we are late — they may be waiting somewhere (audience laughs again),” US President Donald Trump told the media before meeting the Pakistan Prime Minister and the Army Chief.
What a great way to treat two dignitaries, Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Army Chief, by the US President. Media photographs show them sitting tense in the Oval Office while waiting for POTUS to arrive. Generally, the protocol is that POTUS meets incoming dignitaries at the entrance to the Oval Office. It seems Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif was in the USA to address the UNGA for its annual summit – a routine ritual it undergoes every year. However, the UNGA meeting was just a pretext to visit the USA. The main aim was to meet Donald Trump, who had made some demands from Field Marshal during his second visit to White House three weeks ago.
It is alleged that Pakistan had requested a meeting of its PM with Donald Trump during his visit to address the UNGA. It seems the White House insisted that Pakistan Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, must accompany the PM if he wants to meet POTUS. It is no rocket science to know how much Donald Trump likes Asim Munir. In fact, he probably treats him as the real ruler of Pakistan. No wonder Asim Munir’s family was given US citizenship within days of applying for it in June 2025.
A photo on the internet shows General Munir drawing POTUS’ attention towards some ‘rare earth minerals’ in a tray. The minerals could be from Baluchistan. What surprises everyone is that the Pakistani PM was standing surprised in the background. It could be the bait for Donald Trump for the mineral wealth of Balochistan, an attempt to entice the United States.
The second issue agreed upon by the Sharif-Munir duo in Washington is to assist the United States in regaining Afghanistan’s Bagram airbase. It was abandoned by the US army in 2021 when it pulled out of Afghanistan, leaving behind weapons and equipment worth an estimated $7 billion. Bagram airbase, located 40 km north of Kabul, provides the US an access to five Central Asian republics of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan
No official statement has come out as to what was discussed among the three of them. Speculations are rife that four major issues were discussed, and Pakistan has agreed to do what Donald Trump wants from them. In fact, an article published in the Washington Post sets the ball rolling. The four issues, it says, include the Gaza action plan in the Middle East; the Bagram air base in Afghanistan; the rare earth minerals of Baluchistan; and finally, China. It is a known lesson of history that to gain something of significance, during mutually beneficial deals, one has to shed something equally important. So, is it ‘bye bye China’ for Pakistan? Time will tell the further story.
Regarding the Gaza action plan, Donald Trump had stated that he would announce a great deal for Gaza, which would usher in permanent peace in the Middle East. It seems a kind of Islamic force is being set up to maintain peace in the Gaza Strip, with Pakistan as the pivot and provider of requisite security. President Trump had warned the HAMAS cadres to either surrender or leave Gaza forever. Truly speaking, it is the acceptance of the existence of Israel and the Palestinian state, side by side. And maybe Israel has been asked to give some concessions in terms of territory. This is evident from the fact that when Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu had to apologise to Qatar’s Prime Minister from Washington DC, the other day, for the attack on Hamas leadership in Doha, a few days back.
It is confirmed that Pakistan was a willing participant in the Gaza Plan of Donald Trump. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly welcomed Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza and praised the US President’s efforts to end the war. The comments were made during and after a meeting between Shehbaz Sharif and Trump at the White House on September 29, 2025, with Pakistan officially endorsing the proposal. The Pakistan Army Chief was present during these discussions. It is at his behest that the Pakistan PM was bold enough to ditch the people of Palestine. Shehbaz Sharif stated that the plan is an essential step towards achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. He expressed his confidence that Trump is committed to making the deal a reality. This is why Pakistan recommended him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Further, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that the implementation of a ‘two-state’ solution is crucial for ensuring durable peace in the region. It was a virtual volte face by Pakistan on Palestine. Shehbaz Sharif commended Trump’s leadership and also recognised the role of Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in facilitating the peace initiative. Shehbaz Sharif stressed that the peace deal was vital for political stability and economic growth for both the Palestinian people and Israel. The Pakistani endorsement came as part of a broader diplomatic effort led by Trump, which involved meetings with leaders from several Arab and Muslim-majority nations.
The Israeli PM was present in Washington, DC during these meetings. It is alleged that Netanyahu has been having secret conclaves with Shehbaz Sharif. In fact, a recent controversy has arisen in Pakistan about a London-based woman of Pakistani origin, called Dr Shama Junejo. She is allegedly in close touch with Israeli officialdom. She was seen sitting behind Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khwaja Asif, when Shehbaz Sharif was addressing the UNGA. When Pakistan’s opposition leaders (PTI) questioned this, Khwaja Asif denied knowing her. But the Secretary to the UN Secretary General clarified that she was granted an entry visa on an official request from Pakistan’s government. It seems, as claimed by her, that she had written Shehbaz Sharif’s speech at the UNGA. With her known credentials of close relations with Israel, there is something definitely cooking between the two nations on opposite ends of the stick.
The second issue agreed upon by the Sharif-Munir duo is to assist the United States in regaining Bagram airbase in Afghanistan. It was abandoned by the US army on August 15, 2021, when it pulled out of Afghanistan, leaving behind weapons and equipment worth an estimated $7 billion. Bagram airbase is located 11 km southeast of Charikar in Afghanistan’s Parwan province. It is some 40-45 km north of Kabul. Sitting on the site of the ancient town of Bagram at an elevation of 1,492 metres (4,895 ft) above sea level. The air base has two concrete runways. The main one measures 3,602 by 46 metres (11,819 ft × 151 ft), capable of handling large military aircraft. The second runway measures 2,953 by 26 metres (9,687 ft × 85 ft). The air base also has at least three large hangars, a control tower, numerous support buildings, and various housing areas. There are also more than 13 hectares (32 acres) of ramp space and five aircraft dispersal areas, with over 110 revetments.
It seems Pakistan will allow the US entry into Baluchistan with a dual purpose of getting it involved with the Baloch insurgency, and also the excavation of rare earth minerals. If the US comes in, then obviously the door would be closed on China. But it remains to be seen if China would so easily give up its claims over this territory, having invested some $62 billion in its CPEC project
Bagram airfield was built by the Soviet Union in the 1950s. Bagram airbase was formerly the largest US military base in Afghanistan. It was staffed by the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing of the US AIR FORCE, along with rotating units of the US and coalition forces. It was expanded and modernised by the Americans. There is also a hospital with 50 beds, three operating theatres and a modern dental clinic. Kabul International Airport is located approximately 40 km south of Bagram, connected by two separate roads.
Donald Trump has openly announced that he wants this airbase back into position for US troops. He thinks that this air base was strategically important for the United States to keep a watch over China’s nuclear silos in Xinjiang province and Lop Nor. These locations are just one hour air flight distance from this airbase. It also allows the United States to keep vigil over Iran. What’s more, it provides the US an access to five Central Asian republics of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan, which were earlier part of the erstwhile Soviet Union.
The United States has been silently negotiating with Afghanistan’s Taliban government. Donald Trump revealed in his press conference that talks were ongoing. It is noteworthy that Zalmay Khalilzad, the US President’s special envoy, visited Afghanistan on September 13, 2025, and talked to the Afghan leadership on this issue. Somehow, his visit did not bear any fruit. It seems the Afghan government was offered to de-freeze its $9 billion funds in the US. Besides, it was also assured of US recognition of the Taliban regime. But the Afghan government categorically refused to accept the offer. Accordingly, the US now seeks Pakistan’s military action to do the needful. Maybe the Pakistan military goes in on the pretext of neutralising TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban of Pakistan) and BLA (Baluchistan Liberation Army), which allegedly operate from Afghanistan. However, the Afghan Taliban has warned Pakistan against any such military misadventure. But Field Marshal Munir’s alleged promise to Donald Trump is at stake, and he might try something of this nature.
Regarding the mineral wealth of Baluchistan and dealing with China, it seems it was to allow the US entry into Baluchistan with a dual purpose of getting it involved with the Baloch insurgency, and also the excavation of rare earth minerals. If the US comes in, then obviously the door would be closed on China. But it remains to be seen if China would so easily give up its claims over this territory, having invested some $62 billion in its CPEC project. What is more important to China is the Gwadar Port on the mouth of the Persian Gulf. How would Pakistan deal with angry China on this? This will be the biggest test of this so-called hybrid regime of Munir and Sharif. This is where Saudi Arabia fits in, which would help Pakistan to repay China. This was the purported US theory to facilitate the Saudi-Pak defence agreement and keep China at arm’s length from Pakistan. Future events would testify to its authenticity.
What is more important to China is the Gwadar Port, located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf. How would Pakistan deal with angry China on this? This will be Pakistan’s biggest test. This is where Saudi Arabia fits in, which would help Pakistan to repay China. This was the purported US theory to facilitate the Saudi-Pak defence agreement and keep China at arm’s length from Pakistan
Trump’s Plan for Gaza Settlement
- Gaza will be a de-radicalised, terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbours.
- Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered the most.
- If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed-upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete withdrawal.
- Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned.
- Once all hostages are released, Israel will release 250 life-sentence prisoners, plus 1,700 Gazans who were detained after October 7, 2023, including all women and children. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.
- Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.
- Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. At a minimum, aid quantities will be consistent with what was included in the January 19, 2025, agreement regarding humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads.
- Entry and distribution of aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party. Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions will be subject to the same mechanism implemented under the January 19, 2025, agreement.
- Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza. This committee will be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts, with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the ‘Board of Peace’, which will be headed and chaired by President Trump, with other members and heads of State to be announced, including former Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body will set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of Gaza until the Palestinian Authority has completed its reform programme, as outlined in various proposals, including President Trump’s peace plan in 2020 and the Saudi-French proposal, and can securely and effectively take back control of Gaza. This body will call on the best international standards to create modern and efficient governance that serves the people of Gaza and is conducive to attracting investment.
- A Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energise Gaza will be created by convening a panel of experts who have helped redevelop some of the thriving modern miracle cities in the Middle East. Many thoughtful investment proposals and exciting development ideas have been crafted by well-meaning international groups, and will be considered to synthesise the security and governance frameworks to attract and facilitate these investments that will create jobs, opportunity, and hope for the future of Gaza.
- A special economic zone will be established, with preferred tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries.
- No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.
- Hamas and other factions agree not to have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. There will be a process of demilitarisation of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors, which will include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning, and supported by an internationally funded buy-back and reintegration programme, all verified by the independent monitors. New Gaza will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and to peaceful coexistence with their neighbours.
- A guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure that Hamas and the factions comply with their obligations and that New Gaza poses no threat to its neighbours or its people.
- The United States will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to immediately deploy in Gaza. The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt, who have extensive experience in this field. This force will be the long-term internal security solution. The ISF will work with Israel and Egypt to help secure border areas, along with newly trained Palestinian police forces. It is critical to prevent munitions from entering Gaza and to facilitate the rapid and secure flow of goods to rebuild and revitalise Gaza. A deconfliction mechanism will be agreed upon by the parties.
- Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. As the ISF establishes control and stability, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) will withdraw based on standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to demilitarisation that will be agreed upon between the IDF, ISF, the guarantors, and the United States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat to Israel, Egypt, or its citizens. Practically, the IDF will progressively hand over the Gaza territory it occupies to the ISF, according to an agreement they will make with the transitional authority, until they are withdrawn completely from Gaza, save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat.
- In the event Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above, including the scaled-up aid operation, will proceed in the terror-free areas handed over from the IDF to the ISF.
- An interfaith dialogue process will be established based on the values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence to try and change mindsets and narratives of Palestinians and Israelis by emphasising the benefits that can be derived from peace.
- While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform programme is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which are recognised as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.
- The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence.
-An ex-NDA and Wellington Staff College graduate, Col Rajinder Singh is a renowned author and security analyst. He has authored four books, two individually and two in collaboration. His best-selling books are Kashmir – A Different Perspective and The ULFA Insurgency. The views expressed are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
