ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbass Jilani said Pakistan has longstanding commitment to UN peacekeeping. Speaking at UN Peacekeeping Preparatory meeting here, he said Pakistan being leading troop contributor, has significant stake in its success.

He said our participation in UN peacekeeping spanning over six decades is tangible manifestation of our contribution to maintenance of peace and security in line with UN charter.

Jalil Abbas Jilani said Pakistan is proudly contributing over four thousand troops to various ongoing peacekeeping missions. He said we must also turn our attention to realm of peace building. He emphasised for establishment of an institute for peace building saying it could serve as Centre for Excellence for providing specialised training, research and expertise in complex field of peace building.

Foreign Minister underscored need to guarantee safe and secure environment for UN peacekeepers who tirelessly, safeguard peace around globe.

He said it is crucial that capacity building takes centre stage in order to ensure that peacekeepers are prepared for complex challenges confronting them. He said legal framework and adequate accountability mechanisms are paramount for safety of peacekeepers. We should stand firm in holding accountable perpetrators, individuals and groups that harm or threaten UN peacekeepers.

Foreign Minister said medical care for peace keepers is also essential, stressing they deserve the best care including mental health support, standardized training, first aid provisions and enhanced medical facilities.

He whilst highlighting significance of UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, said it holds distinctive place in peacekeeping history as one of earliest initiatives to monitor and investigate ceasefire violations in disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

He pointed out that UNMOGIP personnel encounter unprecedented adversities due to noncooperation of one party. He stressed that we must proactively address safety and security gaps as identified in recent report on UNMOGIP by UN office of international oversight services.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 01 2023

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