“Investing in peace in the contemporary era requires technological and structural evolution,” says ISPR
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said Pakistan joined the international community in paying rich tribute to the brave men and women serving under the United Nations flag on the occasion of the United Nations International Peacekeepers Day.
In a message released by the Prime Minister’s Office, the day, observed annually around the world, recognizes the invaluable services and sacrifices rendered by military, police and civilian peacekeepers deployed to conflict-affected regions in the quest for global peace and security.
This year’s celebration is commemorated under the theme “Investing in Peace”, highlighting the critical importance of sustained political commitment and financial support for the promotion of lasting peace and the protection of human lives around the world, the statement added.
“This day also commemorates the establishment of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), the first ever UN peacekeeping mission, which began operations in Palestine in 1948,” he said.
Message from Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on the occasion of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, May 29, 2026.
Today, Pakistan joins the international community in paying rich tribute to the brave men and women serving under the flag of the United Nations on the occasion of International… pic.twitter.com/JYSpl15PRY
– Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) May 29, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz said: “Over the history of peacekeeping, more than two million men and women have served in more than 70 UN peace missions around the world. Pakistan remains one of the oldest and largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations.”
Through their dedicated service, troop-contributing countries continue to play a vital role in maintaining international peace and security, reflecting the collective commitment to peace as a shared global priority, he added.
Since 1960, Pakistan has contributed more than 235,000 personnel to more than 48 United Nations peacekeeping missions, including more than 500 female peacekeepers. The fact that Pakistan is today the fifth largest contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations is a matter of immense national pride.
The Prime Minister said brave peacekeepers serving across the world have made extraordinary sacrifices in the service of humanity and global stability. He said the unwavering dedication of UN peacekeepers to peace was exemplified by the ultimate sacrifice made by over 4,400 personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, including over 181 Pakistani peacekeepers.
Pakistan is immensely proud of its martyrs and all those brave sons and daughters who continue to serve with exceptional professionalism, commitment and determination in promoting peace, stability and protection of vulnerable communities in different parts of the world, he added.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to further strengthen global peace efforts through active participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
“The country’s continued contribution reflects its enduring commitment to international peace and security, as well as the principles of multilateralism,” the statement concluded.
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Meanwhile, the Army’s media wing said that “Pakistan paid rich tribute to the invaluable contributions and ultimate sacrifices made by the ‘Blue Helmets’ for the sacred cause of world peace on the occasion of the United Nations International Peacekeepers’ Day 2026.”
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Pakistan’s association with UN peacekeeping operations dates back six decades, reflecting the country’s unwavering commitment to international peace.
According to the ISPR, since 1960, more than 237,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have served in UN missions around the world, while 183 Pakistani personnel have sacrificed their lives in service of UN peacekeeping efforts.
“Pakistani peacekeepers are currently deployed in high-risk theaters, including the Democratic Republic of Congo under MONUSCO, South Sudan under UNMISS and the Central African Republic under MINUSCA, where they conduct a wide range of multi-dimensional operations ranging from active military operations to combating climate-related challenges,” the statement added.
The ISPR said contemporary war zones have transformed and become increasingly unstable, complex and asymmetric. It says peacekeepers today face hybrid threats, including cybersecurity risks, digital disinformation campaigns, political divides and climate-induced humanitarian emergencies.
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The communiqué highlights that the 2026 theme, “Investing in Peace”, highlights a crucial paradigm shift from reactive conflict management to proactive preservation of peace.
“Investing in peace in the contemporary era requires technological and structural evolution. We must invest in advanced intelligence architecture, robust civil protection mechanisms and climate-resilient operational frameworks to effectively protect vulnerable populations,” the statement said.
The Government of Pakistan and its armed forces have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the ideas and objectives of United Nations peacekeeping operations by investing in peace through multifaceted engagement encompassing human capital, state-of-the-art training facilities and systemic capacity building, the ISPR said.
“On this revered and proud occasion, Pakistan stands resolutely with the United Nations, reminding the global community that lasting peace is not a guaranteed phenomenon but requires continued collective investment,” the statement added.
Pakistan also reiterated its fundamental resolve to act as a vanguard of international stability, security and humanitarian assistance under the flag of the United Nations, the statement concluded.
