PAKISTAN'S COMMITMENT TO GLOBAL PEACE, SECURITY, AND DEVELOPMENT: A JOURNEY WITH THE UNITED NATIONS

TEXT: Since its inception, Pakistan has been an active and committed member of the United Nations, embodying the principles of multilateralism, diplomacy, and international cooperation. With a history of significant contributions across various spheres, Pakistan has consistently worked towards global peace, security, development and human rights. Maintaining its traditional professionalism, Pakistan has remained instrumental in implementing mandate of United Nations.

Pakistan fully endorses UN Secretary General’s New Agenda for Peace, which outlines his vision for multilateral efforts for peace and security,based on international law. Pakistan’s contingents abroad have played a significant role in implementing Action for Peace keeping (A4P)initiative which revolves around “5Ps” including politics, people,performance,peace-building and partnerships. Over the years,Pakistan has also enhanced its women representation in UN mission in accordance with UN’s Uniform Gender Parity Strategy (UGPS).

Our brave female peacekeepers are contributing to UN efforts, while operating in highly volatile regions.

Pakistani troops have been deployed in numerous conflict-ridden regions around the world, demonstrating exceptional courage and dedication in upholding peace and stability. Pakistani peacekeepers uphold Protection of Civilians (PoC) as a prime mandate, to ensure peace in war-ravaged countries around the globe and secure local populace against multiple threats. With a contribution of more than 230,000 x Troops in 48 x Missions and 29 x Countries, the spirit of sacrifice of Pakistani peacekeepers has been widely acknowledged. To-date,over 170 x Pakistani peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives for the noble cause of building peace and restoring stability.

Pakistan’s desire for peace transcends our geographical boundaries; we maintain a long and a distinguished history of serving for Global Peace under the flag of United Nations. The very roots of our commitments with UN stem from the vision of our founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, which stipulate Pakistan’s resolve to make utmost contribution to the promotion of peace and prosperity among the nations of the world and in upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter.

On this 78th Anniversary of UN, Pakistan reaffirms that fate of Jammu Kashmir should be determined through a free and fair plebiscite, as outlined in United Nations Security Council resolutions. Pakistan consistently calls for international support to resolve the Kashmir dispute, emphasizing the humanitarian and human rights aspects of the situation. Pakistan has expressed concerns over alleged human rights violations in the Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJ&K).

Pakistan has been an active participant in UN bodies and forums dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights. The country has consistently worked towards advancing the rights of women, children and marginalized communities. Pakistan's involvement in international human rights conventions and its efforts to address issues likegender-based violence and child labor demonstrate its commitment to uphold fundamental human rights principles.

Pakistan’s contributions to the United Nations reflect a deep-seated commitment to global peace, security and development. Through its active engagement in peacekeeping missions, development projects, counterterrorism initiatives and human rights advocacy, Pakistan has demonstrated its willingness to be a responsible and proactive member of the international community.

“Our foreign policy is one of friendliness and good will towards all nations of the world. We believe in the principles of honesty and fair play in national and international dealings and are prepared to make our utmost contributions to the promotion of peace and prosperity among the nations of the world. Pakistan will never be found lacking in extending its material and moral support to the oppressed and depressed people of the world and in upholding the principles of UN Charter”.

Quaid-i-Azam

February 1948

“Pakistan enjoys a distinguished history of serving under UN flag in attaining more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. On this day, global communities must not forget the shared responsibilities to deliver on collective promise to Kashmiris for their right to plebiscite, duly preserved by numerous UNSC Resolutions. Pak Army recommits to the principles of the United Nations Charter in line with our Founding Father’s Vision in making world a better place for future generations, irrespective of the cost.”

General Syed Asim Munir

Chief of the Army Staff

“Unity state in the northern part of South Sudan has been severely hit by floods over the last few months. Diligent work, around the clock, by UNMISS peacekeepers from # Pakistan is greatly contributing to protecting civilians and vital infrastructure such as the airport and main supply routes.”

Nicholas Haysom

Special Representative of the

Secretary-General for South Sudan

“With Avn unit, Hosp level 2 &Staff Officer, Pakistan continuous to serve peace with MINUSMA with utmost professionalism & dedication in various areas in Mali.”

Lt Gen Kees Matthijssen

Force Commander UN Mission Mali

“I shall confess that I am overwhelmed by the enormity of the task performed by Pakistan Military Engineering task Force in very challenging condition! The unit is working at above 300% its design capacity. Alert and functioning 24 x 7 into its allocated AOR, it is coping with extra ordinary flooding and rehabilitation challenges. Without this unit, the existence of the field office at Bentiu as well as functioning of humanitarian actors would be jeopardized. I congratulate Lt Col Jainal and his team for their exemplary contribution to UNMISS. Well-done and keep up the good work. The force and indeed the entire UNMISS is fond of your work.”

Lt Gen Subramanian Mohan

Force Commander UN Mission South Sudan

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023