ISLAMABAD: Despite the fact that Pakistan police have participated in 14 UN peace operations around the world and 10 officers of police have embraced martyrdom, the number of Pakistani officials has been reduced in UN missions.

The matter has been taken up with United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations Jean Pierre Lacroix during his visit to National Police Bureau in the Ministry of Interior.

Moreover it has been decided to increase the number of female police officers from 2 to 4 percent by 2025, including for senior and administrative positions.

According to a statement, United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations Jean Pierre Lacroix during his visit paid rich tribute to the contribution of Pakistan Police to UN Peace missions and emphasised their suitability in post-conflict zones as they have been trained in the use of proportional force and conflict-prevention techniques.

He was accompanied by Under-Secretary General for Operational Support Mr Atul Khare and the UN Police Adviser Faisal Shahkar.

Faisal Shahkar, UN Police Adviser, emphasised the importance of raising the training standards of the Pakistani police to be fully aligned with the UN core values and capabilities and all four areas of the Strategic Orientation Framework.

He noted that the visit was a significant milestone in recognition of the exceptional contribution of Pakistan Police in UN peacekeeping missions.

Secretary Interior, Abdullah Sumbal highlighted Pakistan’s role in according to UN objective, of peace and security.

He informed that delegation efforts for Government of Pakistan, to standardize policies, procedures and methods across various police agencies in Pakistan. He praised the expressed his concern over the recent reduction in Pakistan Police deployment in UN missions and called for action on the matter.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Dr Ehsan Sadiq, Director General National Police Bureau told the visiting delegation that Pakistan has aligned police training with the UN police’s core mandate, values and approaches. He also expressed his resolve to increase the number of female police officers from 2 to 4 percent by 2025, including for senior and administrative positions.

SSP, Irum Abbasi briefed the delegation on the significant contribution of Pakistan Police in 14 UN peace operations around the world wherein 10 officers policemen embraced martyrdom.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2023