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
Türkiye says ready to help restore Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire amid continuing clashes
- President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made the mediation offer during a phone call to PM Shehbaz Sharif
- They also discussed the ongoing Middle East conflict, called for restraint to prevent further escalation
ISLAMABAD: Türkiye is ready to help restore a ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan amid fierce clashes between the two neighboring states, according to a statement released by the authorities in Ankara on Tuesday after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over telephone.
The call came as Pakistani security officials reported heavy cross-border firing with Afghan forces in the Bazaar Zakhakhel area of Khyber district, highlighting the fragility of relations between the two countries.
Türkiye previously mediated talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan last year after major border skirmishes in October prompted Islamabad to close all crossing points for bilateral and transit trade.
Pakistan has frequently blamed Afghanistan for sheltering anti-Pakistan militant groups such as the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and facilitating their cross-border attacks. Islamabad has said it targeted militant hideouts on the Afghan side of the frontier last month after repeatedly taking up the issue with the administration in Kabul.
The Afghan Taliban, who have always denied Islamabad’s charges, launched what Pakistan called “unprovoked aggression” in support of militant entities.
“Türkiye will continue to stand by Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and contribute to the re-establishment of the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan reached through Türkiye’s initiatives,” Erdoğan said during the call, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar earlier released figures related to his country’s military campaign against Afghanistan, saying 464 Taliban fighters had been killed since the beginning of the war and over 665 were injured.
He said Pakistani security forces had destroyed 188 Afghan check posts and captured 31. Additionally, they had targeted 56 locations across Afghanistan in aerial strikes.
According to Prime Minister Sharif’s social media message on X, he also discussed the escalating situation in the Middle East and apprised President Erdoğan of his country’s outreach to the Gulf leadership to reaffirm “Pakistan’s full solidarity with them.”
“We agreed that maximum restraint by all parties is imperative to prevent further escalation,” he added. “We also exchanged views on recent developments in Afghanistan and resolved to remain in close and frequent contact in our shared pursuit of peace and stability in the region.”
