Secret Reports Claim Pakistan Agreed to $500-Per-Soldier Deal for Gaza Deployment

A fresh wave of media reports and unverified leaks has thrown Pakistan’s military establishment into controversy once again, after claims surfaced that top Pakistan Army generals secretly met US officials in Qatar to negotiate the deployment of Pakistani troops to Gaza — in exchange for money.

According to these reports, Pakistan initially demanded $10,000 per soldier, while the US and Israel allegedly countered with $100. After tough bargaining, a supposed “compromise rate” of $500 per soldier for 10,000 troops was reportedly agreed upon. None of the governments involved have confirmed the story, but the allegation mirrors a long, documented pattern of Pakistan sending soldiers abroad in exchange for financial compensation, fueling further criticism.

Why Pakistan Soldiers for Gaza?

The alleged discussion aligns with Washington’s push for a Muslim-country–led stabilisation force in Gaza once major combat subsides. The US has repeatedly insisted there will be no American boots on the ground, preferring instead to rely on regional militaries to police Gaza, secure key zones, and neutralise remaining militant elements.

For the US and Israel, Pakistan is often viewed as:

• A large, battle-experienced army

• A Muslim-majority force that gives political “cover” to a Western plan

• A military known to participate in foreign deployments if the price is right

The latest reports claim Pakistan was approached because of its history of rented troop deployments, particularly in the Middle East, where Pakistani soldiers have long been stationed in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states for security duties.

History Suggests Pakistan Sells Its Soldiers — Critics Say

While the current Qatar story remains unverified, analysts argue it is consistent with Pakistan’s long-standing pattern of deploying forces abroad for financial and political gain.

Black September, 1970: Pakistan’s Darkest Chapter

During the 1970 Black September crisis in Jordan, Pakistani soldiers under then-Brigadier Zia-ul-Haq helped the Jordanian monarchy crush Palestinian factions. Historical accounts accuse Pakistani-led units of participating in operations that killed thousands of Palestinians, with estimates often cited as high as 20,000–25,000.
For critics today, Gaza would not be the first time Pakistan’s military was accused of turning its guns on other Muslims at the request — and reward — of foreign powers.

Troops for Hire in the Gulf

Pakistan has kept thousands of troops stationed in Saudi Arabia for decades, protecting royal palaces, training Saudi forces, and guarding sensitive sites. These deployments have consistently brought Pakistan billions of dollars in aid, loans, oil concessions, and military contracts.

This history is frequently cited by critics to argue that Pakistan’s military leadership is driven not by ideology or strategic necessity, but by financial incentives.

“Richest Generals in the World”: The Money Question

The allegation that Pakistan bargained over soldier fees for Gaza reignites a familiar criticism:
Pakistan’s generals are among the richest military officers globally, presiding over vast business empires, real-estate networks, and foreign assets while Pakistan itself struggles with poverty and financial collapse.

Opposition politicians and analysts argue that:

• Pakistan’s military elite prioritises foreign deals that personally enrich their institution

• Public welfare, national security, and citizens’ interests come far below the generals’ financial motives

• Every international mission becomes another opportunity for the military to earn money, not honour

The alleged Gaza troop negotiation, they say, fits this pattern “perfectly.”

Inside the Reported Qatar Meeting

Media claims suggest the following narrative:

1. US officials met senior Pakistan Army leaders in Qatar, seeking troop contributions for a Gaza stabilisation force.

2. Pakistan reportedly demanded $10,000 per soldier — an amount critics called “absurdly high” and reflective of military greed.

3. The US and Israel allegedly rejected the demand, offering $100 per soldier.

4. After “hard bargaining,” a supposed $500 per soldier settlement for 10,000 Pakistani troops was “informally agreed.”

5. Talks were described as “intense,” with both sides aware that Pakistan’s cooperation required substantial financial incentives.

Again, these details come from media leaks, unnamed sources, and regional commentary, not official statements.

Why the Claims Sound Believable to Critics

Even though the reports remain unverified, analysts argue that the story resonates because it aligns with Pakistan’s long-standing behaviour. Pakistan’s economy is in deep crisis, and many believe the military establishment is increasingly desperate for foreign money. The Pakistan Army has a well-known history of sending troops abroad in exchange for payment, and critics say its generals have repeatedly shown a willingness to pursue secret military diplomacy whenever a lucrative offer emerges.

Historically, Pakistan has often served foreign interests — from fighting America’s wars in Afghanistan to providing security to Saudi Arabia — usually in return for aid, cash, or political rewards. Because of this pattern, many commentators insist the question is not whether Pakistan negotiated troop prices, but how much they were offered this time.

A Blow to Pakistan’s Image — Whether True or Not

The media storm has already dealt a heavy blow to Pakistan’s reputation. Regional analysts accuse Islamabad of exploiting the Gaza tragedy for profit and betraying the Palestinian cause. The idea that the army may treat Pakistani soldiers as export commodities, available for sale to foreign powers, has drawn sharp criticism.

Some Middle Eastern commentators argue that, if the claims are accurate, Pakistan would once again be turning its guns on fellow Muslims, echoing its actions during the 1970 Black September crisis in Jordan. Within Pakistan, opposition voices claim the episode confirms a long-standing truth: Pakistan’s generals care more about money and foreign deals than about the country’s own citizens.

No Official Confirmation — But Massive Embarrassment

Pakistan’s government has not confirmed any troop deployment plan, nor addressed the allegations of price negotiations. The military has remained silent, and the United States has declined to specify which nations it is approaching for a Gaza stabilisation force.

Regardless of official silence, the damage is significant. The perception that Pakistan’s military may be ready to sell its soldiers to the highest bidder, especially in a conflict involving Palestinians, has sparked widespread criticism. The controversy has revived painful historical memories and strengthened the belief that Pakistan’s military leadership values profit and foreign approval over principle, dignity, or national interest.