Web Desk–The 20-point Gaza peace plan released by US President Donald Trump was ‘not ours,’ said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday. He also stressed that there was no room for politicking on the matter.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Dar referred to an earlier press briefing in Islamabad. “I made it clear that the 20 points that President Trump made public are not ours. Changes were made to our draft. I have the record,” he said. He added, “This is the end result, and there is no room for politicking.”
Eight Muslim and Arab countries — Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt — had met with Trump on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly. The discussion focused on ending the Israeli attacks in Gaza.
On September 29, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a press conference to announce the 20-point plan for Gaza. Although Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif initially welcomed the plan, Dar later clarified that the plan would not be acceptable unless amendments proposed by the eight Muslim countries were included.
Dar explained that the eight countries had met on the sidelines of the UNGA to discuss Gaza. “During the meeting, there was no other agenda. Today I am telling you the details,” he said, adding that the meetings were intentionally kept discreet.
Before the main meeting, a preparatory session of all foreign ministers was held in New York to discuss the Gaza situation. Dar said Trump reacted positively and promised that his team would work with the foreign ministers to find a “workable solution.” He also said Trump planned to meet Netanyahu to try to stop the bombardment of Gaza.
Dar mentioned that Qatar’s embassy organized these meetings, which were not released to the media. “President Trump’s committee also came, and open talks were held on what they wanted […]. They gave us a 20-point proposal,” he said.
The ministers reviewed the proposal over the next 24 hours. “Instead of making a completely new draft, we decided to remain within this framework and amend or delete points based on our wish list,” he said. “We held different meetings, exchanging hard copies in hotel rooms.”
The final draft, prepared by all eight countries, was sent as a “counter draft.” Dar said that two hours after Pakistan’s delegation left New York, he was informed that some countries wanted all foreign ministers to sign the document, while others disagreed. “This was a small thing in my eyes,” he added.
During the September 29 meeting between Trump and Netanyahu, the 20-point plan was announced. Dar spoke with the Saudi foreign minister, who said that urgent points from the eight countries were accepted, but some items required further discussion. “I said you are right; we should do this,” Dar said. A joint statement was later finalized.
Dar emphasized that this approach was the only way to end Israel’s bombardment of Gaza when other forums had failed. “Statements will not suffice. We need practical work,” he said, thanking the other countries involved.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s policy on Palestine, saying it remains the same as that of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. “There has not been any change nor will there ever be,” he said, calling for an independent Palestinian state with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
Gaza Flotilla Update
Dar also spoke about Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which included former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan. Out of the 45 vessels, reports suggest Israel captured 22 and detained several activists. “According to our information, Khan is included in this,” Dar said.
He added that Pakistan involved a third European country to help secure Khan’s release. The foreign ministry is working to bring back all Pakistanis who were part of the flotilla, with definitive information expected by Sunday.