PM Shehbaz Sharif Reiterates Pakistan’s Strong Support for UN Peacekeeping on International Day

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has underscored the pressing need to address the growing threats and challenges confronting United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions, while reiterating Pakistan’s steadfast dedication to global peace and security.

In a special message commemorating the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the dedication and sacrifices of peacekeepers worldwide, emphasizing their essential role in fostering global stability and prosperity.

“Today, we join the international community in observing the International Day of UN Peacekeepers—a solemn reminder of the countless sacrifices made in the pursuit of global peace and a recognition of the pivotal contributions made by these peace envoys,” he stated.

Highlighting Pakistan’s long-standing contribution, the Prime Minister noted that more than 235,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have served in 48 UN missions over the past seven decades. Of these, 181 personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of international peace and security.

He identified a series of pressing issues currently faced by UN peacekeeping operations, including the surge of unilateralism, financial limitations, increased risks to peacekeepers’ safety, disinformation campaigns against UN missions, and the disruptive influence of emerging technologies.

Calling for international unity, the Prime Minister urged the global community to reaffirm its commitment to the UN’s peacekeeping mandate and to intensify efforts to modernize peacekeeping operations to effectively respond to contemporary challenges.

PM Sharif also highlighted Pakistan’s active involvement in peacekeeping reform efforts, referencing the upcoming UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting, which Pakistan will co-host with the Republic of Korea on April 15–16, 2025, in Islamabad. The event, themed “Towards a Safer and More Effective Peacekeeping: Leveraging Technology and Integrated Approaches,” aims to address future peacekeeping needs.

The Prime Minister further reiterated Pakistan’s role as the host country for the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), which monitors the ceasefire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir—one of the UN’s oldest peacekeeping missions.

In light of recent tensions in South Asia, he stressed the critical need to strengthen UNMOGIP’s presence and mandate, advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri people.

Concluding his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s status as a leading troop-contributing country and a current non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, pledging continued support for the strengthening and revitalization of UN peacekeeping operations.