Pakistan's peacekeeping commitment recognised at UN

Women peacekeepers serving with exemplary dedication and professionalism, says Lodhi

A tribute was paid to Pakistani blue helmets at the United Nations (UN) on Monday to recognise the country’s commitment to peacekeeping and achieving the UN's target in record time.

Organised by the UN's Permanent Mission of Pakistan, the event showcased the country’s outstanding record in peacekeeping operations globally.

The photo exhibition was inaugurated by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi, who was joined by Under Secretary General (USG) for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The week-long exhibition was organised to showcase Pakistan’s service to global peace and security and to pay tribute to its peacemakers, stated Ambassador Lodhi.

“Over almost six decades, Pakistan has contributed over 200,000 troops to 46 UN peacekeeping missions. In this period 156 peacekeepers, including 24 officers and a female peacekeeper, have paid the ultimate price by sacrificing their lives,” she said.

The ambassador recognised the role of female peacekeepers from Pakistan and said she was proud of their service to international peace. She also added that women peacekeepers were serving alongside their male counterparts in many conflict zones with “exemplary dedication and professionalism”.

She also recalled the first recipient of the International Female Police Peacekeeper award in 2011, Shehzadi Gulfam.

Speaking at the event, Lacroix stated that Pakistan was not only a leading troop contributor but also a leader in providing ideas about peacekeeping, as well as ways to improve the UN.

He also lauded Pakistan’s effort to increase the deployment of female peacekeepers.

The Permanent Representative of Democratic Republic of Congo Ambassador Ignace Gata Mavit also spoke on the occasion and acknowledged the contribution of Pakistani troops in maintaining peace in his country.

Congo was the first mission in which Pakistani peacekeepers participated in 1960 and it continues to host the largest contingent of Pakistani blue helmets.

Ambassador Lodhi concluded the event by saying that peacekeeping is a common endeavor where all must work together to create the necessary synergies.

“Every stakeholder in peacekeeping has an important role to play”, she said.