Pakistan has joined the international community in celebrating "International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers" today.

Foreign Office spokesperson in a statement said as a consistent leading troop contributing country, Pakistan is cognizant of the important role played by UN peacekeepers in maintaining security and stability in so many of the world's conflict zones.

The spokesperson while saluting the services and sacrifices rendered by peacekeepers from around the world reiterated Pakistan's solemn commitment to continue working with the United Nations for the ideals of peace, stability and cooperation espoused by the 'blue helmets'.

The statement said Pakistan is proud of its long-standing contributions to UN peacekeeping spanning over six decades. Our peacekeepers have earned well deserved respect and goodwill for their professionalism and devotion to duty in every mission they have participated in.

The FO Spokesperson further said that since 1960, over 200,000 of Pakistani servicemen have served with honor and distinction in 46 UN missions in 26 countries in almost all continents of the world.  One hundred and fifty-seven of our gallant peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of international peace and security.

The statement added that Pakistan had also led the way in deputing female peacekeepers in a record time. In 2019, Pakistan met the 15 percent benchmark set by the UN Secretariat in the staff/ officers category. Pakistani lady police officer Shahzadi Gulfam was the first ever recipient of International Female Police Peacekeeper Award in 2011.

The FO Spokesperson further said our contribution to peacekeeping on ground has been complemented by our sustained engagement in policy development in peacekeeping. We bring a unique perspective to peacekeeping as a leading troop contributing country as well as a host country to one of the oldest peacekeeping missions, UNMOGIP.

Kiani / Ahsan