ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan military said on Wednesday the country would continue to support initiatives aimed at increasing the security of United Nations forces deployed in high-risk environments, in a message commemorating International Peacekeepers’ Day while highlighting its contribution of 3,000 troops currently serving in such missions.
UN peacekeeping operations are vital since they help maintain security in conflict zones by intervening in disputes, protecting civilians and helping to build a sustainable peace in post-conflict areas. These missions operate under the mandate of the United Nations Security Council, and their roles can include monitoring ceasefires, securing safe delivery of humanitarian aid and assisting in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants.
The troops for these missions are assigned by UN member states. Pakistan is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping, with its officials and troops currently deployed in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Cyprus, Western Sahara and Somalia.
According to an official statement issued by the military media wing, ISPR, Pakistan has contributed 235,000 troops to UN peacekeeping operations in 48 missions in 29 countries since 1960.
“Pakistan is proud of its long-standing commitment to UN peacekeeping,” the ISPR said. “Our peacekeepers have demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism and dedication to promoting peace and stability in conflict-ridden regions. Overall, 181 Pakistani peacekeepers have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.”
“Pakistan also remains committed to United Nations Uniform Gender Parity Strategy (UGPS) of United Nations for enhanced representation of women in uniform, Secretary-General’s Action for peace (A4P) initiative, which seeks to improve the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping operations by enhancing their capacity, coherence and responsiveness,” it continued. “Additionally, Pakistan also supports initiatives aimed at improving the safety and security of UN peacekeepers, particularly those serving in high-risk environments.”
The statement added that Pakistan’s contributions to UN peacekeeping were a testament to its commitment to international peace and security, adding that Pakistani peacekeepers would continue to uplift of local communities in troubled regions.
Pakistan military vows to support security initiatives for UN troops on peacekeepers’ day
https://arab.news/pn8kt
Pakistan military vows to support security initiatives for UN troops on peacekeepers’ day
- The military says it is currently contributing 3,000 soldiers to UN missions in high-risk international environments
- Pakistan has contributed 235,000 troops to peacekeeping operations in 29 countries since 1960, losing 181 soldiers
Pakistan army hits Afghan Taliban drone storage facility, ammunition depot in Jalalabad
- Around 435 Afghan Taliban fighters killed, over 630 injured in Pakistani military offensive, minister says
- Several countries, global bodies have urged both sides to exercise restraint since the conflict began last week
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s army struck a drone storage facility and ammunition depot of Afghan Taliban in Jalalabad, a Pakistani security official said on Monday, following Pakistani strikes on more than 50 locations in Afghanistan amid ongoing hostilities between the neighbors.
Pakistan launched Operation ‘Ghazb lil Haq’ against Afghanistan on the night of Feb. 26 following an attack by Afghanistan on Pakistani military installations along their shared border.
The worst fighting between the two neighbors in years erupted after Pakistani airstrikes targeted what Islamabad called militant hideouts inside Afghanistan on Feb. 21-22, accusing Kabul of harboring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants behind the attacks on its soil. Afghanistan denies the charge.
A Pakistani security official, who requested anonymity, said the army was continuing “strong retaliatory action” against the Afghan Taliban and blew up multiple border posts, forcing them to abandon their positions.
“Pakistan forces are effectively targeting the bases and military installations of the Fitna Al-Khawarij and the Afghan Taliban,” he said.
“During the effective counter-operation of the Pakistani forces, the ammunition depot and drone storage site of Fitna Al-Khawarij (TTP) and the Afghan Taliban in Jalalabad was destroyed.”
Separately, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said more than 400 Afghan Taliban fighters had been killed and over 630 wounded in the Pakistani military offensive so far.
Pakistan destroyed around 188 check posts and captured 31, according to a post on X by Tarar. Over 180 tanks, armored vehicles and artillery guns were also destroyed in Pakistani air raids at 51 locations across Afghanistan.
On Sunday, Pakistani state media shared a video of what it said were Pakistani soldiers crossing into Afghanistan in the northwest to capture an Afghan post. Pakistan has seized a 32-square-kilometer area of Afghanistan, another Pakistani security official said.
Afghan officials earlier said that dozens of Pakistani soldiers had been killed and several Pakistan posts had been captured by their forces. None of the casualty figures or battlefield claims from either side could be independently verified.
Since the conflict began last week, diplomatic efforts have intensified, with several countries and international bodies calling on both sides to exercise restraint.
The United Nations, along with China and Russia, has called for calm, while US President Donald Trump said Pakistan has the right to defend itself against cross-border militancy.
