Pakistan army legacy of peacekeeping: 81st anniversary of United Nations
“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 suppressed people of the world and in upholding the principles of UN Charter”.-Quaid-I-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah February 1948
Today, as the international community commemorates United Nations Day, we reaffirm our collective commitment to the ideals of peace, cooperation and multilateralism that the United Nations represents. Since its inception in 1945, the United Nations has always stood as a beacon of hope for nations seeking peace amidst conflict, justice amidst turmoil and progress amidst uncertainty. Among its most vital roles has been the deployment of UN Peacekeeping Missions across conflict zones to safeguard human lives, stabilize regions and create conditions for sustainable peace.
Pakistan is a staunch proponent of global peace and regional harmony which forms the very core of our national policy aspirations. Our desire for peace transcends the geographical boundaries; we have a long and distinguished history of serving for Global Peace under the flag of United Nations. We are proud to be among the leading contributors to UN peacekeeping efforts. Since 1960, when our first contingent was deployed to Congo, over 237,000 Pakistani peacekeepers, including officers, junior commissioned officers and soldiers, men and women from Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies, have served with distinction in more than 48 UN missions across four continents.
Currently over 2600 Pakistani peacekeepers are serving on seven UN missions. Our troops have not only upheld the highest standards of professionalism and dedication but have also earned the respect of host nations and international community. Their courage, compassion and commitment reflect the values cherished by our great nation and the Pakistan Army.
Today we also pay homage to the 183 Pakistani peacekeepers, who have laid down their lives in the noble cause of global peace. Pakistan’s enduring commitment to UN peacekeeping is an extension of our belief in peaceful coexistence, international cooperation and human dignity. As new and complex challenges emerge on the global stage, we stand ready to continue playing our role in support of the UN’s efforts to prevent conflict, protect vulnerable communities and promote stability.
On 81st United Nations Day, let us renew our pledge to uphold the UN Charter, strengthen global partnerships and work together for a more just, peaceful and inclusive world.
Pakistan Hamesha Zindabad. -Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces
“I have seen the heroism and valour of Pakistani women and men serving as UN peacekeepers around the world. I know the real Pakistan because I have seen the real Pakistan. Pakistan is one of the most consistent and reliable contributors to peacekeeping efforts around the world.” -Mr. Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General
“Peacekeeping operations are not like before. Now the Peacekeepers have to operate in a very challenging, volatile, and dangerous environment… Pakistani Peacekeepers are making a difference and are a role model to the UN Peacekeeping missions.” -Mr. Jean Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations
“The Pakistani contingent has demonstrated an outstanding level of operational readiness and professionalism. Their dedication to fulfilling the mandate, coupled with their ability to build strong trust with local communities in highly sensitive areas, has been a benchmark for multinational peacekeeping forces.” -Lieutenant General Cheryl Pearce, Acting Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026