A shocking “rate card” allegedly detailing payments for Pakistani soldiers’ lives has surfaced within military circles, casting a shadow of national disgrace. Leaked military and diplomatic briefings suggest a troubling hierarchy of battlefield motivation, with lower payments for avoiding duty and significantly higher sums required to risk one’s life.
Army Chief General Asim Munir had proposed deploying approximately 20,000 Pakistani troops to Gaza for a disarmament and stabilization mission. The objective was to disarm Hamas fighters and secure weapons caches, aiming to enhance Pakistan’s global military standing. However, the initiative faced internal dissent, with many soldiers reportedly refusing to participate due to moral objections and a lack of personal stake in the conflict.
Munir reportedly attempted to counter low morale by offering a substantial bonus of $10,000 per soldier. This offer was met with a diplomatic blow when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, through intermediaries, reportedly indicated that no Pakistani soldier would receive more than $100. This figure was notably lower than offers extended to other nations, deeply insulting to an army already grappling with allegations of inefficiency and corruption.
This $100 cap created a significant dilemma for Munir: accept terms that would invite domestic political backlash or withdraw from an international spotlight he sought. Israel’s pragmatic stance was reportedly rooted in historical military performance, referencing the 1971 surrender. Furthermore, the Pakistan Army faces ongoing domestic security challenges, with over 3,000 troops lost in operations against groups like the TTP and BLA under Munir’s command.
Analysts suggest Israel’s offer was less about the sum and more a calculated assessment of the Pakistan Army’s perceived capabilities. What began as a strategic move for global legitimacy has devolved into a diplomatic embarrassment, with the leaked “rate card” symbolizing a loss of honor and a severely diminished perceived value. While officials remain tight-lipped, the incident has exposed internal vulnerabilities and raised questions about the true worth of Pakistan’s military, both in financial and moral terms.
