By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
Divergence Between US and Muslim Countries’ Drafts
Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday categorically stated that the 20-point Gaza peace plan announced by US President Donald Trump was not aligned with the draft proposed by Muslim countries, including Pakistan. Addressing the National Assembly, Dar said, “The 20-point [Gaza peace plan] made public by President Trump are truly not ours and changes have been made to our draft.”
This clarification came in response to growing questions about Pakistan’s role in shaping the peace initiative and whether the final document reflected the consensus built among Muslim nations.
Details of Trump’s Proposal
The plan presented by President Trump includes key elements such as a ceasefire, an exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas’ disarmament, and the formation of a transitional government under an international supervisory body.
The US president unveiled the proposal following a high-level meeting with leaders of eight Muslim countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and Indonesia. Hours before the announcement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had welcomed the US initiative, terming it a step toward durable peace in the region.
Pakistan’s Reservations and Positioning
Despite initial support, Pakistan has since distanced itself from President Trump’s version of the peace plan. DPM Dar clarified that the proposal unveiled publicly was different from the one that Muslim nations had collaboratively worked on. He emphasized that the collective aim had been to engage the United States, viewed as the last major power capable of influencing the situation, especially as global institutions like the United Nations, the Security Council, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) had failed to halt the Gaza conflict.
Dar lamented the humanitarian crisis, declaring, “Gaza is the graveyard of global consciousness,” stressing the urgency of international action.
Meetings and Drafting Process
Reflecting on the series of meetings, Dar revealed that Muslim leaders had conveyed to President Trump during the 80th UN General Assembly session that the ongoing war in Gaza was a stain on global conscience. According to Dar, the US president responded positively and directed his team to coordinate with Muslim countries to formulate a workable solution within 48 to 72 hours.
Subsequently, a discreet meeting was held at the Qatari embassy, also attended by Trump’s team. The US presented its 20-point proposal, which was later discussed among Muslim countries. After three rounds of deliberations, the eight nations prepared a final draft reflecting their collective input and presented it to Washington.
Saudi Role and Final Decision
Following the announcement of the Gaza plan, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister contacted Dar and explained that while the US had accepted several of their urgent suggestions, certain critical points were omitted. He outlined two options: either continue negotiations, which risked prolonging the conflict and benefiting Israel, or allow the 20-point plan to proceed with a joint statement from Muslim countries.
Dar shared that he agreed with the latter option, underlining the pragmatic choice to keep momentum alive while continuing diplomatic engagement.