As the United Nations (UN) marks the International Day of UN Peacekeepers (May 29), Pakistanis also joined the world community to pay tribute to the dedicated peacekeepers.
On Friday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres honored those who paid the ultimate price for peace. “[Today we] honor more than one million men and women who have served as UN peacekeepers and the more than 3,900 who have lost their lives in the line of duty”. He also appreciated the role of 95,000 peacekeepers working around the world.
Among the fallen peacekeepers was also a Pakistani, Sepoy Amir Aslam, who served with the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
UN lauds vital role of women peace operations
This year, the UN is highlighting the services of the female peacekeepers.
Pakistan has one of the largest contingents in the UN peacekeeping missions globally. Pakistan has sent over 200,000 troops to a total of 46 missions, which took place in 28 different countries. 157 Pakistani peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice during these missions.
Currently there are about 4,462 Pakistani uniformed personnel serving in some of the most volatile regions of the world.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during his visit to Pakistan, acknowledged the role of female peacekeepers to the overall mission.
European Union was also all praises for the Pakistani peacekeepers and appreciated their part in the peace process around the globe.
Amina J Mohammad, the deputy secretary-general of the UN, expressed her gratitude towards the 1,400 female police officers with the UN and said they had a high impact in the communities they serve in.
Major Fauzia Parveen, the first Pakistani female peacekeeper, also spoke on the occasion. She was a part of the UN mission in Cyprus. She pointed out the importance of women’s participation as they made up half of the world’s population. Parveen also said that the women brought a particular sensitivity to the whole process as well.
The services of our men and women in the peacekeeping forces are indeed a matter of pride. The role of Pakistan’s female peacekeepers is growing with time, and indeed, they will bring more good name to the nation in times to come.