The world owes Pakistan for its role in global peace and security

September 6— observed as Pakistan’s Defense Day every year— is an occasion to reflect on Pakistan’s contributions to global peace and security. Post 9/11, Pakistan sacrificed over 83,000 lives and sustained economic losses of more than $250 billion. In a few years, the country successfully eliminated terror networks, proxies, and non-state rogue elements from its territory. The sacrifices of Pakistan’s state and society, thus, played a major role in making the world a safer place. Thanks to the resilience of Pakistan’s people, the country today stands tall as a favorite and one of the world’s most preferred travel destinations-- as referenced in Forbes, Conde’ Nast Traveler, British Backpackers Society, etc.

Pakistan is one of the largest contributors of troops to UN Peacekeeping Missions around the world. It participated in 43 peacekeeping missions in 26 countries, with over 172,000 peacekeepers including 400 women. A total of 157 Pakistani UN peacekeepers (including 24 officers) have laid down their lives in the line of duty. June 5 is commemorated as Pakistani Peacekeepers Day, which is an acknowledgement of its sacrifices for global peace and security. Currently, over 7000 Pakistani peacekeepers including more than 6,000 armed forces personnel; over 70 military experts; around 66 staff officers; and more than 260 police officials are deployed at various UN peacekeeping missions. Pakistan’s military collaborations also form an important facet of our commitment toward global peace and security. The armed forces have a valuable standing in the comity of nations for their extensive joint exercises, land, air, and maritime security and anti-piracy operations. Pakistan has commanded the CTF-150 on 10 occasions, and the CTF-151 on nine occasions.

Pakistan is signatory to a large number of UN and international conventions related to global peace and prosperity. As a dynamic member of several UN and international bodies, Pakistan provides leadership and useful policy contributions for several issues faced by humanity, from human rights to the environment.

Buoyed by a vibrant society and a shift to geo-strategic economics, Pakistan’s enviable resilience and endurance will undoubtedly take it through its present catastrophe as well.

Aimen Nadeem

In 2013, Pakistan established a Center for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) in Islamabad, which was inaugurated by then UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon. The center spearheads research and academic excellence in peacekeeping, and enjoys immense respect among UN member countries. It has trained more than 500 international peacekeepers of different countries.

Bridging the Middle East, Europe, and Asia—  Pakistan’s superior geo-strategic location comes with a range of challenges, most formidable of which is the Kashmir dispute. Indian-administered Kashmir is an important flashpoint in the global security landscape, where Indian actions have created a humanitarian disaster of massive proportions. India must be urged to comply with UN resolutions and respect the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, in accordance with the covenants of international law.

Pakistan is currently caught in the cataclysm of massive floods and unprecedented loss of life and livelihood. According to UNICEF, the catastrophe has destroyed over 200,000 homes, affecting 6.4 million people, including 3.4 million children. For a resilient nation, the people of Pakistan will ultimately overcome the calamity and rise to the challenge fully. Nevertheless, these times, though hard, put into perspective the changing contours of the global order, where climate action has to become an inextricable component of a country’s security. The future of international peace and security now hinges on global action toward climate change. According to Global Climate Risk Index and EU data, Pakistan contributes less than 1 percent to global Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, yet it is the eighth most vulnerable country to the climate crisis. Now, the country must urge the global community for concerted climate action, which stands to define humanity’s future and security.

Pakistan, often unfairly portrayed in world media, is a very different country in reality. It is at its heart full of inspiring and phenomenal people. Academics, writers, journalists and observers across the world acknowledge that no disaster, natural or man-made, has so far succeeded in crushing the soul of Pakistan.

Charles Leadbeater, in an article in the Financial Times once wrote, “There are hidden forces at work in Pakistan that hold it together and offer it a better future: adaptability and resilience; entrepreneurship; and shared coping. When government and partners work creatively with these forces, amazing things can happen.”

And amazing things are happening. Buoyed by a vibrant society and a shift to geo-strategic economics, Pakistan’s enviable resilience and endurance will undoubtedly take it through its present catastrophe as well.

-- Aimen Nadeem is Second Secretary (Political) at the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh.