United Nations, April 27: Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appreciated Islamabad for its contribution to the United Nations’ peacekeeping responsibilities around the world.
As Pakistan celebrated 50 years of participation in UN peacekeeping, Ban lauded the dedication of the South Asian nation’s troops, police and civilian personnel who play a crucial role in helping people around the world recover from various conflicts.
“Peacekeeping is a credit to us, thanks to the fine work of our troop-contributing countries – Pakistan a leader among them,” Ban said in remarks at the opening of a photo exhibition, celebrating the golden jubilee of Pakistan’s peacekeeping efforts.
He noted that Pakistan’s contribution has been consistent ever since the first Pakistani peacekeeper served in the Congo 50 years ago. Pakistanis have served in 38 missions and are currently involved in nine of the UN’s most dangerous operations, with large contingents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Ivory Coast and Liberia.
“The numbers tell only part of the story. The other part is played out in the lives of people recovering from war,” Mr Ban told the gathering on Monday night at Pakistan’s Mission to the UN, where the exhibition was held. The event was not open to the news media and the world body issued a statement yesterday.
The host was Pakistan’s envoy to the UN Abdullah Hussain Haroon.
From the women who are treated by female members of Pakistan’s medical unit to children who play football on fields constructed by Pakistani troops, the services rendered by brave Pakistani troops, police and civilian personnel deserve profound gratitude,the UN chief said.
At the same time, “this great contribution comes at a great cost,” Mr Ban added, noting that 122 Pakistani military, police and civilian personnel have lost their lives while serving the world body.
“They are sons and daughters of Pakistan – but they are also members of the United Nations family. We mourn their deaths. We remember their lives. And we vow to carry forward their valiant work for peace.”
–UNI