New York, September 10, 2024 – Pakistan has called for more robust and effective United Nations peacekeeping operations to address evolving global challenges such as terrorism, organized crime, and external interventions. Speaking at a UN Security Council open debate on “Strengthening UN Peacekeeping: Reflections for the Future,” Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Munir Akram, emphasized the need for enhanced international cooperation and support for peace enforcement efforts, particularly by regional organizations like the African Union.
Ambassador Akram outlined the growing complexities facing UN peacekeeping, including higher expectations from host nations, resource constraints, and diminishing support from key member states, particularly the Security Council’s permanent members. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to reinforcing peacekeeping missions, recalling the country’s earlier contributions to multidimensional peacekeeping initiatives.
Welcoming the recent adoption of Security Council Resolution 2719, Akram stressed the importance of supplementing national and regional efforts in conflict prevention, resource control, and interstate cooperation. He also underscored the need for greater collaboration among Security Council members to establish effective political frameworks for peacebuilding.
Pakistan’s Role in Peacekeeping.
Pakistan’s role in peacekeeping, particularly in conflict zones like the Central African Republic and South Sudan, was highlighted, with Akram pointing to the success of Pakistani peacekeepers in Abyei as a model for localized peace efforts. He urged for a comprehensive approach to peacekeeping, with closer coordination between the Security Council, C-34, and the Peacebuilding Commission, along with regional bodies like the African Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Ambassador Akram also reaffirmed Pakistan’s long-standing involvement in UN peacekeeping, noting its contribution of over 230,000 troops to 46 missions worldwide, with 181 Pakistani peacekeepers having lost their lives in service to global peace.
Looking ahead, Pakistan plans to actively contribute to discussions at the upcoming ministerial meeting in Islamabad and during its tenure on the UN Security Council and Peacebuilding Commission.
