International UN Peacekeepers Day: Pakistan remembers sacrifice of its 181 peacekeepers
Islamabad, Hilal Ahmad, May 29, AZERTAC
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is being observed across the globe on Thursday to highlight the role of UN peacekeeping forces in promoting world peace. The day commemorates the efforts of the UN to eliminate human suffering by establishing lasting peace in countries affected by wars and internal conflicts.
Since 1948, UN Peacekeeping has been one of the most globally recognized symbols of the world’s ability to come together to help countries move from conflict to peace. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over the years, Pakistan has remained a leading troop-contributing country (TCC).
Pakistan hosts one of the oldest UN peacekeeping missions – the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). Recent developments in the region reinforce the need to further strengthen the presence and role of UNMOGIP, along with a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on this occasion, urged the international community to assess the challenges faced by UN peacekeeping forces and reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment and support for all efforts aimed at strengthening UN peacekeeping missions. He highlighted that during the last seven decades of UN peacekeeping history, over 235,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have served in 48 UN missions globally.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, in his message on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, said that Pakistan joins the international community in recognizing the dedication, courage, and service of the UN peacekeepers, who continue to serve with dedication and bravery in many parts of the world for the maintenance of international peace and security.
He emphasized that this day is also an important reminder to honour the ultimate sacrifice made by many UN peacekeepers in the line of duty, including 181 brave peacekeepers from Pakistan. He said that at a time when the world is facing multifaceted threats, UN Peacekeeping remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective instruments for maintaining international peace and security.
The General Assembly, in its Resolution 57/129, designated 29 May as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. Since the first UN Peacekeeping mission was established in 1948, more than 4,000 personnel have lost their lives in the service of peace across many regions of the globe as a result of acts of violence and other causes. On 29 May, UN offices, alongside Member States and non-governmental organizations, hold solemn events to honour fallen peacekeepers.
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