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Pakistan has not demanded payment from Israel for deploying troops in Gaza, journalist denies ‘fake news’
Indian and pro Afghan social media accounts claimed that a dispute has arisen between Pakistan and Israel on the payment to troops being deployed in the Gaza Strip.
The reports further claimed that Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir is demanding a hefty payment from Israel before troops are deployed. These reports were falsely attributed to Pakistani journalist Asma Shirazi.
An obscure digital media outlet, Voice of Khorasan, shared the post on X captioned, “The Government of Pakistan demands $10,000 from Israel for each soldier sent to Gaza, but Israel is only offering $100.”
A description of the post says, “The Pakistani government reportedly wants to receive $10,000 from Israel for each soldier deployed to the Gaza Strip, while Israel is only offering $100 per soldier.
“Renowned journalist Asma Shirazi has claimed that a serious dispute has arisen between Field Marshal Asim Munir and Israeli officials regarding the deployment of Pakistani troops to Gaza.
“Sources say that Asim Munir demanded $10,000 per soldier from Israel, but Israel offered only $100 per soldier, leading to significant tensions between the two sides.
“It is worth noting that some time ago, Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir visited Egypt and held secret meetings there with senior Israeli officials. Subsequently, Israeli media reported that the Pakistani army intends to assist in securing Gaza and supporting control over Hamas.”
Similar posts were also shared here and here.
Background
Fact Check Pakistan has determined the spread of disinformation in the posts. There is no indication that Pakistan has demanded any payment from Israel for the deployment of troops in Gaza.
Pakistan has not announced its decision to sent troops to the Gaza Strip as part of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF), composed mainly of troops from Muslim-majority countries. However, Pakistan is expected to soon announce whether it will contribute troops to the being assembled for Gaza.
US-based news outlet Politico, citing a current and a former US defense official saying that Pakistan, Indonesia and Azerbaijan were the leading contenders to contribute troops to the ISF.
A report in the Pakistani daily Dawn says Pakistan is likely to contribute troops for the Gaza force. Citing “officials familiar with the deliberations, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter,” the report said discussions within the government and military establishment were at an “advanced stage”.
“According to them, the tone of internal consultations suggests that Islamabad is inclined to take part in the mission.”
Arab News reported that Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently said that a decision by the Islamic world on deploying Pakistani troops as part of a Gaza peace force was “still under process,” adding it would be a “matter of pride” for the country to play a role in protecting Palestinians.
“If the Islamic world takes such a decision and Pakistan wishes or needs to participate in it, then I believe it would be a matter of pride for us to play a role in protecting and ensuring the well-being of our brothers,” Asif told a private Pakistani news channel.
“This matter is still under process and yet to be finalized,” he added. “I think this is an opportunity that Pakistan should avail if it becomes available to us, you know.” He said the government would take parliament into confidence along with all the relevant institutions over the issue.
The statement comes when Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir recently visited Jordan and Egypt. The visits fueled speculation among international and local media over whether Pakistan was asked to provide troops for the Gaza peace force.
Fact Check
The social media post claims that journalist and anchor Asma Shirazi stated the a dispute has arisen between Field Marshal Asim Munir and Israeli officials regarding the deployment of Israeli troops in Gaza.
This is false. There are no reports in Pakistan or the global media that Pakistan Army has any conflict with Israel on the deployment of troops or receiving any payments. The decision on sending troops will be made after a meeting of eight Muslim countries in Istanbul.
Asma Shirazi has denied the false reports attributed to her. In a post on X, she said, “These posters on social media quoting me are absolutely fake. Neither I said so anywhere nor I have any such information. From India to Afghanistan habitual liers and propaganda machines are pathetically active. This is how disinformation factories make a fake news, attribute it and propagate it. Those involved In spreading #FakeNews must be reported. #Pakistan #Afghanistan
Conclusion
Fact Check Pakistan has concluded that news regarding payments from Israel on the deployment of Pakistani troops and the dispute between the army chief and Israeli officials is false. There are no credible sources or statements and the posts are an attempt to spread disinformation and malign the armed forces of Pakistan.
