Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Abdul Qayyum Khan (Defense Analyst): The First World War resulted in millions of casualties from all sides. To prevent further devastation, the League of Nations was established to avoid recurrence of horrors witnessed in World War 1. Similarly, after World War Two the United Nations came into being. One of the foremost aims of the UN was to ensure peace and stability in the world. Historically, Pakistan has played an important role in the UN peacekeeping missions in conflict zones around the world and rendered a lot of sacrifices. We are pleased to host the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Preparatory Meeting on Wednesday. We provide troops to the UN peacekeeping missions and will continue to contribute to this noble cause as peace is vital for the entire world. Hosting this crucial meeting depicts the trust and confidence of the international community on Pakistan. 

Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Raza Muhammad Khan (Defense Analyst): Pakistan has always played a pivotal role in the UN peacekeeping missions. Despite facing security threats on our eastern and western fronts, we have always contributed to the UN peacekeeping missions. The UN has acknowledged our sacrifices and role in global peace. The UN peacekeepers are always welcomed by Pakistan and Islamabad allows them to visit the Line of Control (LOC), but unfortunately India restrains them from visiting its side of LOC. In 2006, Pakistan organized an international conference on peacekeeping in which large number of global representatives participated. We believe that all the states should be invited to the current UN peacekeeping meeting too, so that they could witness Pakistan's role in peace and stability.