Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s enduring commitment to United Nations peacekeeping missions on Thursday, urging the international community to adapt UN operations to meet evolving global challenges.
In a message on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, He highlighted that more than 235,000 Pakistani troops have served in 48 UN missions over the last seven decades.
A total of 181 Pakistani peacekeepers have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“This day provides an appropriate opportunity to assess the challenges faced by UN peacekeeping forces, such as rising unilateralism, financial constraints, increasing threats to the safety and security of UN peacekeepers, misinformation campaigns targeting UN peace operations, and the impacts of emerging technologies,” He said.
The prime minister called for increased international efforts to support the safety and operational effectiveness of peacekeeping forces worldwide.
Premier Shehbaz also urged stronger backing for the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), which monitors the ceasefire along the Line of Control in the disputed territory of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
He further said that recent developments in South Asia reinforced the urgency of resolving the Kashmir issue in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri people.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar echoed the PM’s sentiments, noting that UN peacekeeping remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective means to preserve global peace.
He called for technological innovation and strengthened regional partnerships to enhance future operations.
