Shehbaz Sharif Reaffirms Pakistan’s Commitment to UN Peacekeeping Missions
By Tahir Shah :
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting international peace efforts through continued participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions around the world.
In a message issued on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, observed globally on May 29, the prime minister paid tribute to military personnel, police officers and civilian peacekeepers serving under the UN flag in conflict-affected regions.
He said Pakistan stood alongside the international community in recognising the sacrifices and contributions of peacekeepers working to maintain global peace and security under difficult and often dangerous conditions.
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is marked annually to honour those serving in peacekeeping operations and to remember personnel who lost their lives while carrying out UN missions. This year’s observance is being held under the theme “Invest in Peace”, highlighting the importance of political support and financial resources for sustaining peace operations worldwide.
In his message, Shehbaz Sharif said the theme reflected the growing need for long-term international commitment towards conflict prevention, peacebuilding and the protection of civilians affected by war and instability.
He also referred to the establishment of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in Palestine in 1948, widely regarded as the first UN peacekeeping mission.
Over the decades, more than two million peacekeepers have served in over 70 United Nations missions across different regions of the world, including Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
The prime minister noted that Pakistan remains one of the longest-serving contributors to UN peacekeeping operations and continues to play an important role in international peace and security efforts.
According to official figures cited in the statement, Pakistan has contributed more than 235,000 personnel to over 48 UN peacekeeping missions since 1960, including more than 500 women peacekeepers.
Pakistan is currently ranked among the world’s leading troop contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions and remains the fifth-largest contributor globally.
Pakistani peacekeepers have served in some of the world’s most volatile conflict zones, including missions in Africa and the Middle East, where they have participated in security operations, humanitarian assistance, civilian protection and post-conflict stabilisation efforts.
Shehbaz Sharif praised the professionalism and dedication of Pakistani peacekeepers, saying they had represented the country with honour while serving vulnerable communities affected by violence and instability.
The prime minister also paid tribute to peacekeepers who lost their lives during service. According to UN records, more than 4,400 peacekeeping personnel from different countries have died in the line of duty since UN peacekeeping operations began, including over 181 Pakistanis.
He said Pakistan takes pride in the sacrifices made by its peacekeepers and honours those who laid down their lives while serving humanity and supporting international stability.
The statement added that Pakistan’s continued participation in UN missions reflects its commitment to multilateralism and collective global efforts aimed at maintaining peace and preventing conflict.
Pakistan has frequently highlighted its role in UN peacekeeping as an important pillar of its foreign policy and international engagement, particularly in promoting stability and humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected regions.
United Nations peacekeeping missions continue to face growing challenges globally due to rising geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, funding pressures and humanitarian crises in several parts of the world.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan has repeatedly expressed support for strengthening the role of the United Nations in conflict resolution and peacebuilding initiatives.
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