Pakistan reaffirms commitment to global peace through UN peacekeeping missions

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said Pakistan remains firmly committed to supporting international peace efforts through its continued participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

In a message issued on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, the prime minister said Pakistan was joining the global community in honouring military, police and civilian personnel serving under the UN flag. He said the annual observance recognises the service and sacrifices of peacekeepers deployed in conflict-affected areas to help maintain peace and security.

Shehbaz said Pakistan’s ongoing role in UN peacekeeping reflected its lasting commitment to international peace and security as well as to multilateral cooperation. He also referred to this year’s theme, Invest in Peace, saying it highlighted the need for sustained political will and financial backing to advance lasting peace and protect lives around the world.

The prime minister noted that the day also marks the establishment of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, the first UN peacekeeping mission, which began operations in Palestine in 1948. He said that more than two million men and women had served in over 70 UN peace missions over the history of peacekeeping, adding that troop-contributing countries continued to play an important role in maintaining international peace and security.

Pakistan’s contribution

Shehbaz said Pakistan was among the longest-serving and leading contributors to UN peacekeeping missions. According to his message, the country has deployed more than 235,000 personnel to over 48 UN peacekeeping missions since 1960, including more than 500 women peacekeepers.

He said it was a matter of national pride that Pakistan currently ranks as the fifth-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations. He added that peacekeepers serving in different parts of the world had made exceptional sacrifices in the service of humanity and global stability.

The prime minister said the dedication of UN peacekeepers was reflected in the loss of more than 4,400 personnel in the line of duty over the years, including over 181 Pakistanis. He paid tribute to Pakistani peacekeepers who had laid down their lives and to those continuing to serve in different regions.

Attributing their work to professionalism and resolve, Shehbaz said Pakistani men and women in peacekeeping missions were helping promote peace and stability while protecting vulnerable communities across the world.

"Our continued contribution reflects Pakistan's enduring commitment to international peace and security, as well as to the principles of multilateralism," the prime minister said in his message.

"Today, Pakistan joins the international community in paying rich tribute to the brave men and women serving under the United Nations flag on the occasion of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers," he added.