Pakistan organized a special exhibition on Peace Keeping to highlight the unwavering and steadfast resolve ofPakistani Peace keepers to promote the noble cause of peace and security around the globe during its Presidency of the Security Council. A high level Civil and Army delegation led by the Foreign Secretary Mr Jalil Abbas Jilani and Maj Gen Mazhar Jamil, Vice Chief of General Staff (A) also attended the exhibition. His excellency, the Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was the chief guest during the event. He paid high tributes to Pakistani peacekeepers for their service under the UN flag in hot spots around the world, saying they had made “remarkable contribution” in maintaining peace coupled with helping families and communities suffering from war. He also said that, “I have personally met brave Pakistani men and women who serve proudly in some of our toughest missions around the world. They are truly an inspiration,” the UN chief said at an exhibition of photographs celebrating more than 50 years of Pakistan’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations. The photographs depicted Pakistani blue helmets committed in building peace and bringing development in conflict zones.
“This wonderful exhibition reminds us that peacekeeping is more than mandates and missions – it is our collectivepromise to help families and communities suffering from war,” Ban told a large gathering of heads of mission accredited to the United Nations, senior UN officials and journalists.
Since its first deployment to Congo a half century ago, he said Pakistan had sent troops to 23 former missions. Today, almost 9,000 Pakistani uniformed personnel serve in seven missions. “The United Nations is deeply grateful for their contributions,” the secretary-general said.
“Pakistan’s historic commitment to peacekeeping has taken a heavy toll. One hundred and thirty-two Pakistanis have lost their lives while serving the UN. We owe them a great debt of gratitude.”
He narrated instances of Pakistani peacekeepers’ planning in saving lives in Congo, but singled out Shahzadi Gulfam, Lahore’s Deputy Superintendent of Police and Winner of the 2011 International Female Police Peacekeeper Award, for a special tribute amid warm applause and remarked “Ms. Gulfam is an excellent example of Pakistan’s spirit of service – and she is a true global citizen,” the secretary-general said. “I hope many people will be inspired by her spirit…”
Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani said, “Peacekeeping is a vital tool for the United Nations to maintain international peace and security. Blue helmets are not only a symbol of the United Nations’ global quest for peace but also a beacon of hope for the conflict-affected people of the world.”
Pakistan Army’s Vice Chief of General Staff, General Mazhar Jamil, reaffirmed Pakistan’s support to UNpeacekeeping for the maintenance of international peace and security.
Maj Gen. Jamil, who especially came from Pakistan participate in the event, read out a message from the Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani, saying, “Pakistan Army shall remain, as it has always been, a catalyst for peace to achieve the ideal of collective security; a sine-qua-non for human prosperity. “Our commitment to globa peace remains unwavering and steadfast.” Pakistan’s commitment towards promoting international peace stems from the vision of our Founding Father. Since its inception, Pakistan has played a significant role as a responsible member of the international community to help bring global peace through active diplomatic, moral and material support in various regions of the world”.
| Pakistan organized a special exhibition on Pakistan for Peace during its Presidency of the Security Council. (Photo ISPR) |
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