ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday reiterated its commitment to maintain peace and stability in the world, particularly in South Asian region, and recalled its capability to ward off any aggression and adventurism.

The civil and military leadership of the country vowed to largely contribute to the United Nation’s peacekeeping missions across the globe.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was the largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping missions in the world as it had so far provided about 200,000 personnel.

“Such a gesture also manifested Pakistan’s desire and efforts for peace,” the prime minister said in a message on International Day of the United Nations Peacekeepers observed on Monday.

Civil, military leaderships vow to contribute in UN peacekeeping missions

He paid tribute to efforts, contributions, professionalism and sacrifices of the Pakistani peacekeeping missions under the UN umbrella.

The prime minister also paid tribute to the contributions of the armed forces of Pakistan — Rangers, FC and police — to the UN peacekeeping missions.

The UN secretary-general and other UN offices had lauded and acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices of Pakistan’s peacekeepers, he said, adding that from 1960 to 2022, officers and jawans of Pakistan peacekeepers had played an exemplary and praiseworthy role in the UN missions.

A total of 169 Pakistani peacekeepers had embraced martyrdom while performing duties in the UN missions abroad, the prime minister said, saluting their valour and sacrifices.

“The sons and daughters of the nation have displayed their professional capabilities worldwide by maintaining peace and serving the humankind,” he added.

The prime minister said the international recognition of the professionalism of the armed forces of Pakistan to carry out their responsibilities across the globe in the challenging situations was a matter of great pride.

Meritorious services

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the performance of Pakistani peacekeepers has been acknowledged worldwide by numerous world leaders and the UN leadership in recognition to their meritorious services for global peace.

“On the occasion of World UN Peacekeepers Day, it is worth reiterating that Pakistan stands tall in the comity of nations being one of the largest troops contributing country in the UN peacekeeping efforts,” it said in a press release.

Pakistan’s journey in UN peacekeeping operations began in 1960 when the first-ever Pakistan Army contingent was deployed for operations in Congo.

Over the last 61 years, Pakistan has been the most significant and consistent contributor to UN peacekeeping around the world. Pakistan has hitherto participated in 46 UN peacekeeping missions, including some of the most challenging undertakings.

A day ago, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “Pakistan is committed to promotion of environment of peace and stability in South Asia while preserving its capability to ward off aggression or adventurism in any form.

“It is a partner in international efforts to strengthen the global non-proliferation regime based on the principles of non-discrimination and equal security for all states.”

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2022