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PAKISTAN’S POSITION ON THIS TOPIC:

One of Pakistan's main foreign policy goals is to uphold international security and peace. As a
result, since its founding, it has actively participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Pakistan has taken part in 46 missions in 28 different nations and regions, all of which were
essential to preserving world peace and security. Due to their patience and a high degree of
professionalism, Pakistani peacekeepers have completed many successful operations, earned the
hearts and minds of the local population, and received plenty of worldwide accolades. For this
noble cause, 157 Pakistanis have also died to date.

One of Pakistan's main foreign policy goals is to uphold international security and peace. As a
result, since its founding, it has actively participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Pakistan has taken part in 46 missions in 28 different nations and regions, all of which were
essential to preserving world peace and security. Due to their patience and a high degree of
professionalism, Pakistani peacekeepers have completed many successful operations, earned the
hearts and minds of the local population, and received a lot of worldwide accolades. For this
noble cause, 157 Pakistanis have also died to date.

Pakistan, one of the top nations that supply troops, highly regards the crucial part that "blue
helmets" play in preserving security and stability in numerous conflict-ridden regions throughout
the world. We thank UN peacekeepers for their efforts and sacrifices, and we reaffirm our
commitment to working with the UN to further our shared goals of peace, stability, and
collaboration.

Pakistan is proud of its continuous and extensive contributions to UN peacekeeping for more
than 60 years. More than 200,000 members of our armed forces have rendered brave and
honorable service in 46 UN Missions across nearly all continents since 1960. Pakistani
peacekeepers have consistently distinguished themselves in every deployment they have taken
part in thanks to their professionalism and dedication. 169 of our most courageous peacekeepers
have given their lives in the line of duty in support of world peace and security.

ROLE OF PAKISTAN IN UNPKO’S


Despite its 18-year commitment to the ongoing war against terrorism and deployments on its
eastern and western borders, Pakistan presently spends more than 5,000 people on nine UN
operations. Pakistan is one of the biggest and top suppliers of UNPKOs. Under difficult
conditions, Pakistani troops have been crucial in restoring normalcy to war-torn towns,
maintaining law and order, and facilitating smooth political transitions.

PAKISTAN'S PEACEKEEPING INITIATIVE:


An overview of Pakistan's peacekeeping missions in "Latin America, the Balkans, West Africa,
East Africa, Central Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia" demonstrates the country's
unwavering commitment to upholding international peace and security. Pakistani soldiers in
these missions went above and above what was required of them to aid the unfortunate; in some
instances, they even gave their lives to save others.

PAKISTANI WOMEN’S ROLE IN THE PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS

In addition to helping in conflict and post-conflict situations, Pakistani women peacekeepers


have inspired women all around the world. Our officers are currently serving in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo as the first all-female group from Pakistan in a UN peacekeeping mission.
They are supplying the area with a variety of resources, including psychologists, stress
counselors, officers for vocational training, gender advisors, physicians, nurses, operations
officers, information officers, and logistics officers. These deployments demonstrate Pakistan's
steadfast dedication to advancing women's crucial contributions to the advancement of lasting
peace and security.

THE UN AND PAKISTAN'S TIES

Pakistan and its army have had a unique opportunity thanks to UN peacekeeping to demonstrate
their expertise, dedication to international security and peace, and sense of duty and sacrifice.
Pakistan has significantly contributed to the development of peacekeeping theories, concepts,
and manuals based on six decades of peacekeeping in a variety of circumstances. Its diplomatic
status at the UN and other related venues has also improved as a result of its involvement.
Pakistan has gained exposure to other countries' systems through its work with multinational
forces, which has also promoted camaraderie and understanding. Joint training and activities
have a synergistic effect that bodes well for regional harmony and collaboration.

PAKISTAN’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO UN PEACEKEEPING

Political
- The peaceful conduct of elections and referendums to restore democratic standards;
peacebuilding and enforcement; protection of other UN entities and diplomats.
- The disarmament of thousands of rebels in difficult situations throughout many battle
zones.
- Capacity building and training for the local police, armed forces, and law enforcement
organizations.
- De-mining activities in the area, which cover 125 square kilometers and remain largely
undetected.
Socio-Economic
- Thousands of local patients receiving free medical care
- Rehabilitation and support for the operation of different educational institutions.
- The provision of vocational training to children and former combatants.
- Restoring the economy and rebuilding the rule of law.
- Building roads and other infrastructure, disaster management, and flood relief
- Using female engagement teams to engage and empower disadvantaged societal groups.

GENESIS OF PAKISTAN’S PEACEKEEPING EFFORTS


An examination of Pakistan's peacekeeping activities in Latin America, the Balkans, West
Africa, East Africa, Central Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia demonstrates the
country's steadfast dedication to maintaining world peace and security. In these operations,
Pakistani soldiers went above and beyond the call of duty to help the less fortunate, and in some
cases, they even gave their lives to save others. In the lines that follow, it is explained how
Pakistani troops have engaged in several UN missions with a variety of mandates and operational
settings.

UN ASSISTANCE MISSION IN SIERRA LEONE (2001-05)


Early in 1991, a civil war between the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), which had help from
Liberia and Libya, and the government forces broke out in Sierra Leone. 50,000 people died
during the 11-year war, which also caused hunger, the collapse of the state's infrastructure, mass
refugee migration, and other problems. To aid in the implementation of the peace agreement
between the RUF and government forces, the UN mission in Sierra Leone was sent there
following the UNSC mandate of October 1999. The operation encountered fierce opposition, and
the kidnapping of hundreds of peacekeepers in May 2000 forced the United Kingdom to use
force in its former territory. Pakistani forces played a vital role in the UN peacekeeping effort in
Sierra Leone's success. A Pakistani brigade group was flown and they undertook a variety of
activities including patrolling, disarming, reintegrating rebels, setting up medical camps, and
conducting a "winning hearts and minds campaign." For the peaceful presidential and legislative
elections in May 2002, the Pakistani contingent in particular made sure that there was law and
order. The fact that President Ahmed Kabbah of Sierra Leone frequently dined in Pakistani
quarters, where the former rebel commander was also a frequent visitor, can be used to gauge the
mood of goodwill created by such deeds.

UN MISSIONS IN SUDAN (2005-11)


The Sudan People's Liberation Army and the Khartoum-based central government engaged in a
violent 22-year civil war (SPLA). The Blue Nile region was affected by the violence that began
in southern Sudan but later moved to other areas. Millions of people fled to neighboring states,
and two million people perished in this conflict. In January 2005, the Sudanese government and
the SPLA agreed to a Comprehensive Peace Agreement that put an end to the country's civil
conflict and called for the establishment of South Sudan by the year 2011. A mission would be
established in Sudan to aid in the implementation of the agreement, according to a UNSC
resolution from March 2005. In March 2005, the Pakistani contingent, which included an
infantry battalion group with air support, was sent to Sudan. The protection of citizens and the
restoration of public utilities in the nation ripped apart by civil conflict fell within the purview of
the Pakistani sector in the Blue Nile state. Along with maintaining order, the contingent worked
hard to win the support of the community by setting up free medical clinics, and distributing
food, and other services. Additionally, using manual techniques and mine detection dogs,
Pakistani engineers cleared the terrain near the Ethiopian border of mines, which had been left
unmarked and resulted in countless civilian casualties.

A SUPPORTING EDIFICE FOR PEACEKEEPING


Pakistan has organized pre-departure plans for its troops and developed a variety of facilities to
train and equip those sent to the UN for peacekeeping missions due to the variety of problems
experienced during such operations. A Center for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) was
founded at the National University of Science & Technology to instruct and train managers and
leaders for international peacekeeping, stability, and peacebuilding (NUST).

UN OPERATIONS IN SOMALIA (1992-95)


Due to conflict in Somalia in the early 1990s, customary law briefly fell apart. During the
country's civil war, a sizable section of the populace also experienced starvation. A Pakistani
mechanized battalion was among the first troops to enter the nation in September 1992. Later, the
group's size was raised to a brigade. To safeguard the security of humanitarian work in the
war-torn nation, Pakistani forces were tasked with guarding air and sea ports and locating illegal
weapons. The UN force headquarters assigned Pakistani forces the responsibility of inspecting
the warlord Farah Aideed's arsenal on June 5, 1993. His followers ambushed them along the way,
using kids and women as human shields to stop response. The valiant Pakistani soldiers fought
their way back while defending the ladies and children in an extraordinary display of patience.
56 Pakistanis were hurt and 23 were killed during the fighting. 43 people lost their lives in
Somalia overall. The locals were quickly won over by Pakistan's skillful management of the
security situation and escorting of food convoys. The campaign's catchphrase, "Pakistan and
Somalia Walla Walla," which indicates that Pakistanis and Somalis are brothers, is the product of
these efforts.

CONCEPTUAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMPLEXITIES OF UN


PEACEKEEPING
In discussions and intellectual forums held under the auspices of the UN, Pakistan has taken the
lead in advancing ideas, hiring practices, and training linked to UN peacekeeping. Pakistan has
produced and amended numerous UN manuals, especially those pertaining to the battalion level,
based on its different peacekeeping experiences, distributed over six decades in distinct
operational situations. The CIPS at the NUST also exemplifies Pakistan's commitment to sharing
its expertise in both conflict prevention and peacekeeping. Pakistan initiated steps that resulted in
the adoption of one of the most important and distinctive peacekeeping missions, known as the
(Force) Intervention Brigade while serving as the UNSC's President in 2013.

RELIABLE INDICATORS OF PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS SUCCESS (Pakistan)


Pakistan is dedicated to a world where safeguarding human dignity is the most important value
and keeping the peace on earth is a sacred duty. Pakistan envisions a world devoid of need,
hunger, and hardship. a society where equality, oppression, and violence are despised and justice
and fairness rule the day.
Pakistan views initiatives at weapons control, disarmament, and non-proliferation as essential
instruments for advancing the objectives of peace and security at the international and local
levels. Pakistan has therefore always argued for the necessity for inclusive platforms for
discussion and negotiation that take into account all States' security concerns.

WHAT FACTORS MAKE PEACEKEEPING FAIL (Pakistan)


Regardless of the contributors, UN peacekeeping missions are not without controversy. For
instance, the international organization has faced criticism for failing to sufficiently address the
problem of sexual abuse by peacekeepers, which critics claim usually goes unpunished.
There seems to be a civil conflict between those who are attempting to and those who aren't since
many UN peacekeeping soldiers don't take the assignment seriously, which makes it difficult for
any mission to be effective. In this case, The Pakistani officers adopted a very systematic
approach while dealing with the issues they strive to resolve. Regular day and night patrols are
carried out by Pakistani forces to ensure the security of people, to maintain the status quo of law
and order, and to create a real deterrent against armed organizations.

HOW COUNTRIES ARE HELPING IN THE PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS IN AFRICA


(Pakistan)
Being an active participant in the UN, Pakistan was aware of the importance of helping any
country in need, including Africa. As a result, Pakistan made it a priority to aid Africa in any
manner they could, including by supplying military personnel, education, training, and other
services.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pakistani troops were not only involved in
peacekeeping operations but also in identifying training needs and providing instruction to other
potential peacekeepers, while their Female Engagement Teams (FET) were giving community
lectures on topics like English language proficiency, computer proficiency, sanitation hygiene,
mental hygiene, gender equality, and women's legal rights.
ISSUES THAT DISTURB PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS AND HOW THEY CAN BE
SOLVED (Pakistan)
Intra-state conflicts on the rise, Peacekeeping soldiers being attacked, political issues that cannot
be resolved, issues with soldier performance, insufficient freedom of movement, and insufficient
commitment are just a few of the issues that have an impact on every Peacekeeping mission and
lead to a lot of problems. In order to address these issues, Pakistan has implemented
pre-departure plans for its troops and developed a variety of facilities for preparing and training
those sent to the UN for peacekeeping missions. In addition, Pakistan has also sent the Female
Engagement Team on numerous peacekeeping missions to address issues with logistics, training,
education, and other areas.

HOW ARE DIFFERENT GENDERS WORKING IN THE PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS


(Pakistan)
Pakistan Army on its part strives to improve its international profile by constantly monitoring the
trends and requirements of international peacekeeping. Keeping in view the prerequisite of
maintaining gender balance in peacekeeping duties, The men and women of the Pakistani Army
have exceeded all expectations and served humanity by participating in peacekeeping operations
to establish the conditions for a wave of lasting peace. These operations have included
confidence-building measures, power-sharing agreements, electoral support, strengthening the
rule of law, economic and social development, and protection of civilians in areas that have been
devastated by war.

VIOLENCE IN PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS (Pakistan)


Many peacekeeping deployments are significantly impacted by violence. Violence between
political officials also exists in addition to that amongst farmers. Since nobody is to blame,
problems arise from everywhere, but there is always ambiguity in these missions where people
use violence.
Similar to many other armies with battle experience, Pakistani soldiers make better
peacekeepers. They are physically fit and have had extensive training, and they are aware of the
difficulties encountered on the job and how to handle them. They have unparalleled local
experience working with government entities and handling various dire circumstances.

INTRA-STATE CONFLICT PREVENTION (Pakistan)


Conflict dynamics can be intricate. As a result of their deep roots in the societal grievances of the
host nation, they are both susceptible to domestic political power struggles and a source of
instability for fragile peace initiatives. and disputes, cattle movement patterns, and other political
and resource-based issues, as well as other things, can cause these disturbances. Pakistan's
foreign policy is thought to place a high priority on UN peacekeeping. It enables the country to
demonstrate its credentials as a UN member state that is dedicated to the cause of world peace
and that accepts the obligations placed on it. Additionally, it offers a chance to display an army
that is professionally well-trained and capable of completing difficult missions under risky
conditions.

WHAT TYPE OF FREEDOM DO PEACEKEEPERS NEED? (Pakistan)


In peacekeeping missions, freedom of movement is crucial because, without it, quick responses
on the ground would be impossible, efforts to protect civilians would be hampered,
investigations into human rights violations would not be possible, safety and security would be
compromised by preventing access to necessary supplies and equipment, and UN property would
be damaged and destroyed.
The Pakistani Army, for its part, works to raise its international profile by consistently observing
the developments and needs of global peacekeeping.

HOW CAN PEACEKEEPERS ACHIEVE A STRONGER COMMITMENT? (Pakistan)


The main conflict parties give their approval for the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces. The
parties must agree to participate in a political process for this to happen. They grant the UN the
essential political and physical flexibility to carry out its designated tasks by agreeing to a
peacekeeping deployment. The Pakistani military frequently takes part in aid and relief efforts
for emergencies, such as domestic natural catastrophes. Under the UN Police flag, Pakistani
police officers have gained respect for their professionalism and dedication to duty.

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF PEACEKEEPING (Pakistan)


Many peacekeepers have everyday psychological difficulties while serving in peacekeeping
missions, including uncertainty about the time before departure, the length of the engagement,
and the need to resolve family and personal problems quickly. Aside from For soldiers trained
for traditional warfare, deployment in an unfamiliar country and terrain in a capacity that is
fundamentally different from soldiering can be quite stressful. Other factors include impotence,
danger, witnessing atrocities and human remains, and many more. Pakistani peacekeepers have
consistently stood out in all of their missions thanks to their professionalism and commitment.
Pakistan is still attempting to enhance personnel's psychological components of peacekeeping
operations.

CULTURAL ISSUES FACED IN PEACEKEEPING (Pakistan)


Many trained individuals from many ethnicities and backgrounds work for UN peacekeeping
missions. Putting language barriers aside, every battalion from a different nation has its own
culture, presumptions, techniques, training, and understanding of the mandate. Language barriers
made it difficult for Pakistani peacekeepers in MINUSCA to communicate with locals and forge
friendly relationships that would facilitate more successful discussions. Even though no steps are
being done to address this problem, a solution will undoubtedly be found.
POLITICAL CONFLICTS IN PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS (Pakistan)
When there is little political consensus, little consent, and stalled peace processes with
ambiguous departure strategies, the UN deploys a number of peacekeeping missions. Although
political disagreements have caused several problems in peacekeeping operations, there haven't
been any implementations or resolutions for this issue yet. However, Pakistan will take action
soon enough to remedy the issue.

HUMANITARIAN AIDS IMPORTANCE IN PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS (Pakistan)


In addition to providing aid, humanitarian intervention is primarily concerned with protecting the
victims' fundamental human rights and security. Negotiations can help create "humanitarian
space" for such action. However, only political solutions will bring about peace. In support of
numerous UN peacekeeping missions around the world, Pakistan has dispatched troops.

HOW TROOPS SHOULD BE ALLOCATED A CERTAIN TIME TO MISSIONS


(Pakistan)
Uncertainty regarding the departure date, length of the engagement, and deadline pressure to
resolve personal and family concerns There must be a set timetable or proper timeline for when
the troops are to be deployed because having an unpredictable schedule can damage the troops'
personal lives in many negative ways. For this reason, a homecoming for troops may prove to be
stressful due to a variety of factors including the longing for comrades and recently experienced
the closeness of work with them, issues related to guilt, a mismatch between homecoming
fantasies and reality, reworking relationships, picking up the threads of old routines in the
regiments and garrisons, changes in emotionality, and uninterested public attitude. The high
caliber of Pakistan's peacekeeping training has also received recognition. Although there haven't
been any direct reports about how the troops are treated or what needs to be changed, certainly,
there won't be as many complaints, and even if there are, Pakistan would take action.

HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES (Pakistan)


In mission zones, peacekeepers must also be cautious about their health. Unfortunately, the
majority of missions are carried out in Africa, a continent with a broken health system and a high
rate of serious illnesses. Despite safety precautions, troops may experience minor illnesses or, in
rare instances, catastrophic diseases. Affected people may be separated from healthy soldiers as a
precaution, in addition to the anxiety and stress brought on by the specific condition. A Pakistani
major in the peacekeeping forces claimed that the troops' everyday operations were hampered by
their concern about contracting dangerous diseases. They became more cautious when
interacting with the locals as a result, which hindered the improvement of interpersonal
relationships. The major did acknowledge, however, that UN medical facilities performed their
regular examinations to assure their safety.

CONCLUSION
In some of the most difficult conditions, Pakistan has actively participated in UN peacekeeping
in various regions of the world, per the goals and tenets of the UN Charter. Pakistani
peacekeepers have excelled at going above and beyond what is required to help the human race,
establish institutions, and advance peace. Their performances have inspired enduring friendships
and connections of esteem among world leaders and the UN alike. UN peacekeeping operations
have increased Pakistan's influence at the UN and its army's soft power internationally.

QUESTIONS I CAN BE ASKED:

What are the current actions being taken by Pakistan to assist Africa in peacekeeping
missions?
Pakistani women peacekeepers are proudly at the forefront of providing urgent medical and
surgical care, reflecting their country’s deep-rooted commitment to upholding women’s roles in
the promotion of sustainable peace and security.

What are the future missions of Pakistan with African peacekeeping missions?
There has been no announcement of any future plans to assist the African peacekeeping
missions, as of the current situation of Pakistan, despite the confidence that Pakistan will support
an African mission.

What is the relationship between Pakistan and Africa outside of peacekeeping?


Many African nations have had relationships with Pakistan since their independence revolutions.
Pakistan helped nations like Algeria, Kenya, Sudan, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania,
Namibia, Morocco, Libya, Egypt, and Nigeria both morally and financially. 13 African nations
have resident Pakistani missions; the remaining nations are covered by concurrent accreditation.

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