Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sparked widespread outrage on September 30, 2025, after endorsing former US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan.
In an X post, Sharif praised Trump’s “leadership” and envoy Steve Witkoff’s “efforts” to end the nearly two-year Gaza war, stating that a two-state solution is “essential for lasting peace.” He expressed conviction that peace between Palestinians and Israel would bring regional stability and growth.
I welcome President Trump’s 20-point plan to ensure an end to the war in Gaza.
I am also convinced that durable peace between the Palestinian people and Israel would be essential in bringing political stability and economic growth to the region.
It is also my firm belief that…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 29, 2025Pakistanis swiftly criticised Sharif on X, accusing him of “pleasing Washington” and “burying Pakistan’s stance on Palestine.” Users labelled the endorsement as “legitimising Israel,” with one writing, “Peace without justice is empty. Endorsement without conditions is betrayal.” The plan’s proposal for an international “Board of Peace” led by Trump and Hamas’s exclusion from governance fueled claims it favours Israel over Palestinian justice.
I strongly condemn this statement by the PM of Pakistan, as a Pakistani.
If Pakistan wants to recognize Israel, that’s up to the government and its people. But one thing is clear: we as Pakistanis cannot decide what the Palestinian people want. How can Gaza be demilitarized while… https://t.co/UEFDlKf8h5
— ARSALAN (@MuhamadArsalan_) September 30, 2025Pakistan’s Stance on Palestine
Pakistan has historically refused to recognise Israel until Palestinian rights are secured. Critics view Sharif’s support as a departure from this policy, sparking fears of a “soft U-turn.” The backlash, with 60% of Pakistani X users opposing the plan, reflects deep public discontent.
Opinion: Shehbaz Sharif Cannot Sell Out Palestine on Behalf of Pakistan
By Azmat Khan
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed Donald Trump’s “20-point Gaza peace plan,” praising the former U.S. president’s leadership and repeating calls for a two-state solution.… pic.twitter.com/FrBolMham8
— Azmat Ullah Khan (@AzmatKhanTDP) September 30, 2025The 20-point plan includes a ceasefire, hostage-prisoner swap, Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, and a transitional government overseen by an international body. Critics argue it sidelines Palestinian autonomy, particularly with point 13 mandating a demilitarised Gaza and no Hamas governance role.
پاکستان کے عوام اسرائیل کو کسی صورت تسلیم نہیں کریں گے۔ حکومت واضح مؤقف دے تاکہ افواہوں کا دروازہ بند ہو۔ جعلی خبریں ملک میں صرف انتشار پھیلاتی ہیں۔
— Tanz-e-Ishtiaq (@isht1aqahmed) September 29, 2025The Gaza conflict, with over 40,000 deaths, remains a global flashpoint. Sharif’s endorsement, seen by 65% of Pakistanis as undermining Palestine, risks alienating voters and straining diplomatic credibility. The controversy highlights Pakistan’s delicate balance in international relations.
Read: Trump Announces Netanyahu Backs U.S. Gaza Peace Plan for Ceasefire
Shehbaz Sharif’s support for Trump’s Gaza peace plan has ignited fierce backlash, challenging Pakistan’s Palestine stance. As outrage grows, the PM faces scrutiny.
