Islamabad, Pakistan celebrated the “International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers,” recognizing the vital role played by its personnel in maintaining global peace and security. The nation has a long-standing history with UN peacekeeping missions, contributing significantly both in manpower and in shaping peacekeeping policies.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over 235,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have served in 48 UN missions, making Pakistan one of the top troop-contributing countries (TCCs). Tragically, 181 of these peacekeepers have died while serving. Pakistani peacekeepers have been notably involved in efforts to restore stability in conflict zones worldwide. The country takes pride in its significant number of female peacekeepers, over 500, who have also achieved international recognition for their service. Furthermore, Pakistan reached the UN target of deploying 15% female staff officers in peacekeeping roles ahead of many other nations.
Pakistan also hosts the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), one of the UN’s oldest peacekeeping missions, emphasizing its dual role as both contributor and host in the peacekeeping landscape. On this international day, Pakistan reiterates its commitment to supporting UN peacekeeping efforts and adapting to new challenges in peace operations, including those led by the African Union.