PM shakes hands with John Kerry at the UN. PHOTO: AFP
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday said Pakistani peacekeepers were serving on some of the most difficult UN missions and that they never deviated from assignments.
“Our professional, well-trained and competent peacekeepers have never shied away from mandated tasks,” he said while speaking at the leaders’ summit on UN peacekeeping.
Nawaz said that Pakistani troops “are deployed in the most difficult theatres, staying the course in Liberia, even during the Ebola outbreak.”
Despite challenging circumstances at home, Pakistan will continue to provide the UN with some of its best military commanders, staff officers and military observers, he added.
The prime minister underscored the need for reform and strengthening UN peacekeeping operations, to enable the world body to better respond to evolving situations and requirements in its efforts to maintain peace and security.
With Pakistan one of the largest troop contributors to the peacekeeping force, Nawaz pledged to provide infantry soldiers, police officials, K-9 units, unmanned surveillance, field hospitals, signals communication units, transport, helicopters and maintenance.
“We consider modern technology an important component of
peacekeeping today. We, therefore, also commit to providing surveillance through unarmed aerial vehicles (drones) to enhance capabilities related to protection of civilians and military personnel.”
In Kerry meet-up, Nawaz talks of India violations
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Nawaz conveyed Pakistan’s concerns to the United States regarding India’s ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and working boundary.
During a meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry on the sidelines of the 70th UN General Assembly session, PM Nawaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of all issues through dialogue.
Sharing the outcome of the meeting, acting representative of the US for Pakistan and Afghanistan Laurel Miller told the press that the “United States urges both Pakistan and India to engage in a dialogue and to take steps to de-escalate tension on the borders”.
She said PM Nawaz had an “excellent meeting” with Kerry, adding that they talked about a whole range of issues on the common agenda.
“We look forward to the prime minister’s visit to Washington in October,” she said, adding that the two sides talked about areas where they can “further advance and deepen the relationship”.
Miller said the two leaders also discussed issues that could be taken up during the forthcoming talks in Washington.
To a question about the warming India-US ties and the heavy price Pakistan was paying in its fight against terrorism, she said: “Secretary Kerry specifically said that he recognises the significant efforts that Pakistan has made against terrorism.”
She said the US also recognises the sacrifices of the Pakistani people and its security forces, adding that her country is cooperating with Pakistan against terrorism and will continue to do so.
Peace process in Afghanistan
In response to a question about the ongoing reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan, Miller said her government “absolutely and strongly” supports the peace process in Afghanistan. “We appreciate the efforts the Pakistani government has taken to that end. I think there is more that we can all do, obviously to launch a peace process, and we are 100 per cent behind all such efforts.”
Kerry said US President Barack Obama looked forward to PM Nawaz’s visit next month. PM Nawaz and Secretary Kerry discussed bilateral cooperation.
Nawaz highlighted the military’s achievements during Operation Zarb-e-Azb. “These successes have improved the security situation in Pakistan.”
Kerry appreciated Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and the success of the operation. He also expressed condolences over the Badhaber airbase camp attack.
Nawaz was accompanied by National Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 29th, 2015.
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