ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday paid tribute to United Nations peacekeepers serving around the world, saying modern conflicts were becoming increasingly complex and warning that peacekeeping missions now face challenges ranging from cyber threats and misinformation to climate-driven humanitarian emergencies.
The statements came as the international community marked the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, observed annually on May 29 to honor military, police and civilian personnel serving under the UN flag in conflict-affected regions.
The day marks the establishment of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), the first UN peacekeeping mission, which began operations in Palestine in 1948.
This year’s observance is being held under the theme “Invest in Peace,” which emphasizes the need for sustained political commitment and resources to prevent conflict and protect vulnerable populations.
“Today’s peacekeepers face hybrid threats, including cybersecurity risks, digital misinformation campaigns, political fracturing, and climate-induced humanitarian emergencies,” Pakistan’s military said in a statement.
“The 2026 theme, ‘Invest in Peace,’ underscores a critical paradigm shift from reactive conflict management to proactive peace preservation,” it added.
Pakistan is one of the world’s largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations and has deployed troops to missions across Africa, Asia and other regions for more than six decades.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan had contributed more than 235,000 personnel to over 48 UN peacekeeping missions since 1960, including more than 500 women peacekeepers, and currently ranked as the fifth-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations.
“It is a matter of immense national pride that Pakistan today stands as the fifth-largest contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations,” Sharif said in a message issued by his office.
He said more than 181 Pakistani peacekeepers had lost their lives while serving under the UN flag, describing them as symbols of Pakistan’s commitment to international peace and security.
President Asif Ali Zardari said his country remained among the leading troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions, highlighting the presence in Pakistan of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), which is one of the oldest UN peacekeeping missions.
He maintained UNMOGIP’s continued presence in the region underscored the need for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions.
“At a time of growing global uncertainty and conflict, United Nations peacekeeping remains an important instrument for the maintenance of international peace and security,” Zardari said.
Pakistan’s military said its peacekeepers were currently serving in high-risk missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and the Central African Republic, carrying out operations ranging from traditional security tasks to efforts aimed at addressing climate-related challenges.
“Investing in peace in the contemporary era requires a technological and structural evolution,” the military statement said.
“We must invest in advanced intelligence architecture, robust civilian protection mechanisms, and climate-resilient operational frameworks to safeguard vulnerable populations effectively.”
Pakistan also reaffirmed its commitment to UN peacekeeping operations and said it would continue contributing personnel, training and resources to international efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability.
