Islamabad, 30 May 2022 (TDI): United Nations commemorated 29th May as the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. In terms of Pakistan’s contributions to the UN peacekeeping missions, Pakistan ranks sixth-largest provider of troops.
Pakistan has committed more than 200,000 troops to 46 United Nations peacekeeping missions. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a number of world leaders and UN leaders have praised Pakistani peacekeepers for their important work to keep the world safe.
The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan stated a day ago that, Pakistan is dedicated to promoting a climate of peace and stability in South Asia while keeping its capabilities to fend off aggression or adventurism in whatever form.
Pakistan has a longstanding & abiding commitment to @UNPeacekeeping spanning over 6 decades.
This #PKDay we reaffirm our resolve to continue playing our part in supporting int’l peacekeeping efforts.
We also salute peacekeepers in 🇵🇰 & around the world for their service 🇺🇳. pic.twitter.com/XmnAaycfgz
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) May 29, 2022
During his visit to the Center for International Peace and Stability, CIPS on February 17, 2020, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres paid respect to Pakistani peacekeepers who had given their lives to safeguard some of the world’s most vulnerable people.
“For UN peacekeeping deployments, more than 100 countries supply troops and police. Pakistan is number one,” The then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said during a visit to Pakistan in 2013.
Pakistan’s Contributions to Peacekeeping Missions
Pakistan has sent peacekeepers to nearly every continent since 1960, starting with Congo. Over the next 60 years, the government sent over 200,000 troops to 46 missions in 28 countries, continuously placing it among the top five contributors.
Moreover, for the sake of international peace and security, 157 Pakistani brave peacekeepers, including 24 officers, have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Countrywise Missions by Pakistan
Besides, Pakistani forces have been given the job of getting rid of illegal guns in order to protect the safety of humanitarian and peacekeeping missions in Somalia.
The Pakistani forces in East Timor were very important for rebuilding the country, making sure that the country’s independence was done peacefully, and keeping communication lines open.
The sacrifices made by Pakistani soldiers in Operation Black Hawk are yet another historical milestone in the history of peacekeeping.
In the same way, Pakistani women soldiers also contributed on an equal footing with men soldiers in UN peacekeeping missions around the world.
Pakistani Women Peacekeepers have been providing assistance in conflict and post-conflict situations & inspiring women around the globe.
➖We are in the process of progressive enhancement of women participation in @UNPeacekeeping.
🇵🇰🤝🇺🇳#PKDay pic.twitter.com/C9sd10Fssd
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) May 29, 2022
On January 31, 2020, a group of 15 Pakistani women officers won considerable distinction for being the first all-female group from Pakistan to serve in a UN peacekeeping operation.
These efforts reflect Pakistan’s rationale in the world’s community of nations, a peaceful co-existence, and to make the world a peaceful place to live.
