Guardians of Peace from Pakistan

Peace is created not by force but by those who courageously step up where others are afraid to stand. Peace can seem unachievable in a world full of conflict, instability, and growing divides. While many people observe from a distance, Pakistan has taken action to change things. While shaking hands with the UN in his peacekeeping mission, Pakistani peacekeepers have been assisting in the restoration of peace in some of the most unstable areas since 1960. Through acts of bravery, kindness, and a deep dedication to mankind, they have gained respect on a global scale with calm and resolve.

Under the umbrella of the UN, Pakistani officers, medical personnel, developers, and soldiers have been deployed to various war-torn nations for more than 60 years. In 28 different countries, more than 230,000 Pakistanis have served in 46 peacekeeping operations. Currently, about 4,000 Pakistani soldiers are defending migrant, conflict, and violence victims in difficult areas like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, and South Sudan. Pakistan provides these missions with more than just troops. These troops help with civilian security, road building, medical camp management, landmine disposal, and aiding refugees. They also help rebuild schools, provide instruction, and fix damaged infrastructure. Their efforts offer stability and optimism in places where even the most necessities of life are missing.

Every choice has a price; every service a sacrifice. Over 4,400 UN peacekeepers have lost their lives while on duty since 1948, with Pakistan suffering one of the worst losses of any nation, with 181 valiant warriors slain. These sacrifices demonstrate Pakistan’s strong belief in world peace. The Dag Hammarskjold Medal, the highest honour bestowed by the UN on those who die while serving, has been given to 97 Pakistani peacekeepers in recognition of their valour.

Pakistan has contributed more than simply medals and numbers. It expresses the nation’s conviction that maintaining peace is a duty, not merely a catchphrase. Pakistan has persisted in helping the international community despite its domestic difficulties. It deploys its most skilled personnel on challenging assignments, frequently in dangerous regions that many other nations steer clear of. Pakistan’s peacekeepers have received accolades and respect from international figures. In 2022, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres officially recognized Pakistan for its peacekeeping mission as having brave, professional, and kind forces under the umbrella of the United Nations. The strong confidence that the international community holds in Pakistan’s capability to defend the cause of human life is reflected in this.

An ever-brightening chapter of Pakistan’s peacekeeping account has been the increasing participation of women. Women from Pakistan have been performing amazing work for women, children, health services, and community initiatives in places like Congo, Mali, and other places. In the communities they serve, they are frequently the first women in leadership roles, and they play a crucial role in advancing gender equality and a much-needed feeling of trust. Pakistan has invested in training facilities inside Pakistan for the peacekeepers. Training is conducted both for Pakistani peacekeepers and those from abroad at the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) in Islamabad. The consequent training provided, with help from the UN, enables Pakistani peacekeepers to deal with the demands of complex assignments they will face in the field of operations. Acting as a catalyst, CIPS helps Pakistan raise international standards for peacekeeping.

Beyond any doubt, UN missions also give the Pakistan army an opportunity to learn and develop. Working with multinational forces across other countries lends invaluable experience to their soldiers, which truly becomes a learning experience. UN peacekeeping centers on rehabilitating what was scarred and providing a fresh start to the people around, far removed from the incentive of merely protecting borders or upholding a violent ceasefire. That is where the peacekeepers from Pakistan shine, cut above. They are builders, they are healers, and they are protectors, everything besides being warriors. Whether helping children go back to school or performing first aid to an injured family member, they exemplify peace, service, and respect.

Pakistan’s consistent involvement in peacekeeping is testimony to the country’s commitment to international stability, solidarity, and cooperation. Presently, when many nations are retreating inward and abandoning their global obligations, Pakistan continues to contribute to global peace and operations in silence, modesty, and exceptional dedication. It is fitting, then, that not only the UN but the entire world should celebrate Pakistan’s role in peacekeeping. Recognition of their contributions must be awarded in equal measure to the professional performance of the soldiers, sacrifices of peacekeepers, and compassion of the people. A constructive idea will be to involve Pakistan with greater leadership roles in peacekeeping missions and give it a stake in international peace dialogues.

Pakistani peacekeepers are not only guarding the borders of far-off lands. They defend the very idea that peace is possible if, together with dignity, selflessness, and humanity, we are ready to fight for it. In the distant land, the flag of Pakistan rises with the blue flag of the United Nations.