VIENNA: Pakistan Mission organized a photo exhibition on the completion of 75 years of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, paying rich tribute to its fallen peacekeepers, and expressing the South Asian Nuclear Country’s unwavering resolve towards global peace efforts.
The exhibition titled: ‘Tribute to Fallen Peacekeepers’ was held near Vienna Café which was graced by the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacrois.
Ambassador Munir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in his welcome address said that over the years, 225,000 Pakistani troops have served as UN peacekeepers in 46 missions. Our female peacekeepers – who are now 15% in the staff-officers category, along with their male counterparts, served with distinction.
Pakistani troops joined the blue helmets in 1960. MONUC in the Congo was Pakistan’s first peacekeeping mission. The black and white photograph of a ship carrying Pakistani contingents to DRC illustrating the decades-long commitment of Pakistan and other troops in service of the UN peacekeeping and the UN’s endeavors to maintain international peace and security.
Shahzadi Gulfam was the first recipient of the International Female Police Peacekeeper Award in 2011.
He also paid tribute to all UN peacekeepers and other personnel who lost their lives in the service of the UN.
During the 6 decades of our commitment to global peace, 176 peacekeepers, including a female peacekeeper have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of international peace and security.
During the last year, eight Pakistani uniformed peacekeepers were among them. Six peacekeepers sacrificed their lives in the helicopter incident in DRC. I offer my heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families and loved ones. I would also like to thank the Ambassador Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo who has joined us today in honoring our peacekeepers.
He said conflicts persist and the threats to peace and security have become more complex; as have peacekeeping operations.
There is justifiable concern regarding the safety and security of peacekeepers. Yet, UN peacekeeping remains a vital element of the UN and the international community’s endeavor to maintenance of international peace and security. It is the most politically and economically effective modality to do so.
Akram also invited all participants to beautiful Islamabad for the Peacekeeping Preparatory Meeting in August.
Talking to VOSA, Jean-Pierre Lacrois said: “The services of Pakistani men and women under UN flag have always been outstanding. Whenever, I visit to the field, I witness the dedication and strong commitment of Pakistani soldiers to their duty as well as their courage.”
He further said that the UN is very grateful to Pakistan for its strong support to our peacekeeping operations. I think it reflects the commitment that Pakistan to the UN values and the values of charter
UN would continue to work together with Pakistan to increase further the UN peacekeeping cooperation.
On this occasion, UN Police Advisers Faisal Shahkar said that the sacrifices of Pakistan’s army and police in the peace mission are unforgettable.
Pakistan mission officers, diplomatic staff and prominent community personalities also participated in the photo exhibition.
The post 75 years of UN peacekeeping mission: Photo Exhibition features great scarifies of Pakistani soldiers towards global peace first appeared on VOSA.
This post was originally published on VOSA.