165 Pakistani peacekeepers rendered sacrifices in UN peacekeeping missions

ALI ABBAS

New York: Permanent Representative of Pakistan in UN Munir Akram said that Pakistan has so far contributed over 200,000 troops and police in 46 peacekeeping missions, and as many as 165 Pakistani peacekeepers paid the ultimate sacrifice in the great cause.

Addressing at the UNCOPS 2022, titled “Addressing key challenges facing United Nations peacekeeping through Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) and A4P+” Munir said.

Peacekeeping is one of the cornerstones of the United Nations and an essential tool for creating lasting peace in war-torn societies. Pakistan proudly contributed over 200,000 troops and police in 46 peacekeeping missions, and 165 Pakistani peacekeepers paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Pakistani Policepersons have earned respect for their professionalism and devotion to duty under the UN Police banner. Pakistani Policewomen, Shahzadi Gulfam, was the first-ever recipient of the International Female Police Peacekeeper Award in 2011.

On behalf of Pakistan, Munir presented a set of proposals for the UN Police peacekeeping challenges:

The work of the United Nations Police is protecting people, preventing conflicts, and sustaining peace. This could only be achieved by the reforms and by developing the institutional capacity of the host state. UNPOL needs to be managed and resourced effectively to address security threats affecting global security involving organized crime, human trafficking, terrorism, and financial fraud.

He said closer coordination between the UN Police, the host government’s law enforcement machinery and the civilian population is essential to improve the efficiency of policing in the context of a mission.

While a rapid deployment of Formed Police Units instead of troops may be needed in certain contexts, such deployment should be based on clear and achievable mandates supported by adequate resources.

We should consider including police aspects in mediation and other dialogue processes, especially in situations where a lack of trust in the security sector is a root cause of grievance and conflict.

The selection criteria should be upheld rigorously to ensure the competence of peacekeeping police. The provision of better technology is mandatory for efficient PKOs. The early warning system should be enhanced, and peacekeepers are armed with proper equipment.

Peacekeeping is a shared responsibility. A spirit of mutual and respective responsibility is at the core of A4P, and nowhere is this more important than pursuing durable solutions to conflict and instability. The Security Council has been unable to develop political solutions to several old and new disputes, including the one where one of the oldest UN Missions, the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, is stationed.

Pakistan has pledged an FPU and remains committed to further improving the performance of our police serving as individuals or part of formed units.

Pakistan steadfastly supports advancing the role and effectiveness of the UN Police to address the emerging challenges.