Key Points
- Over 270,000 Pakistani troops served in 48 UN missions globally
- President links UNMOGIP presence to unresolved Kashmir dispute
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday paid tribute to United Nations peacekeepers serving in conflict zones worldwide, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to global peacekeeping missions and highlighting the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
In a message issued on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, Asif Ali Zardari praised the dedication and sacrifices of UN personnel working under difficult and dangerous conditions worldwide.
“Pakistan joins the international community in paying tribute to the dedication, professionalism and sacrifice of United Nations peacekeepers,” the president said in an X post.
The nation honoured the “courage and commitment” of 183 Pakistani peacekeepers who lost their lives in the service of international peace and security, the President added.
The president noted that Pakistan has remained among the leading troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations for more than six decades.
According to the statement, over 270,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have served in 48 UN missions across four continents.
He also highlighted the growing role of Pakistani women peacekeepers in international missions, saying their service reflected Pakistan’s continued commitment to the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter.
Referring to the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, the president said Pakistan continued to host one of the oldest UN peacekeeping missions.
He said the mission’s presence reaffirmed the international community’s responsibility to support a “just and lasting resolution” of the Kashmir dispute in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
According to the statement, UN peacekeepers continued to play a critical role in protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian assistance and helping maintain essential public services in conflict-affected regions.
“At a time of growing global uncertainty and conflict, United Nations peacekeeping remains an important instrument for the maintenance of international peace and security,” the president said.
The President reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support and solidarity with peacekeepers serving under the UN flag worldwide.
