CSS 2014 Solved Current Affairs Past Papers | Pakistan’s Role in UN Peacekeeping Missions
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Question breakdown
This question has extensively explained the role of Pakistan in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Outline
1-Introduction
2- United Nations peacekeeping missions
3- Substantiating Pakistan’s Role in the United Nations Peace-Keeping Missions
- ✓Restoration of peace and reconstruction
- ✓Top Troops Contributing Country
- ✓ Institutions for training and research
- ✓ Deployment of Female Engagement Team (FET)
- ✓Rehabilitation of law and order
- ✓ Infrastructure development
- ✓local community development
4- Significance of Pakistan’s Role in United Nations Peace-Keeping Missions
- ✓ Recognition of Pakistani Blue helmets
- ✓Rusting the title of a haven for terrorism
5- Conclusion
Answer to the question
Introduction
United Nations peacekeeping missions centered on war-torn countries, inter-state conflict, and rebellion groups, have been successful in establishing peace and rehabilitating communities in different parts of the world. Like other member states, Pakistan has been a part of United Nations peacekeeping missions for sustaining peace in conflicted zones. The quest for peace and uplifting vulnerable communities from the darkness of terror to peaceful existence has been part of the country’s foreign policy. To date, the country has successfully cooperated in Forty-Eight United Nations peacekeeping missions, according to the Foreign Office of Pakistan. Notably,the country has been one of the top Troops Contributing Countries (TCC). Besides the ground approach, the country’s institutional capacity to train peacekeepers and women’s inclusion has garnered global recognition and diplomatic support at the international level for the country. Thus, the country has been able to curb the accusation of supporting terrorist organizations.
United Nations peacekeeping missions
United Nations Peacekeeping missions are multifaceted approaches to foster peace and meditation during civil wars and inter-state conflicts. These missions employ military personnel from member states without enforcement power to establish regional peace. In addition, these endeavors rehabilitate socioeconomic and political order by negotiating with rebellious groups, providing humanitarian assistance, building institutions, and maintaining law and order. Through the generous efforts of the member states, the United Nations has successfully maintained peace in various deadliest conflicts like the civil war in Congo, Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, and Cambodia’s transition.
Substantiating Pakistan’s role in United Nations Peacekeeping missions
Pakistan has been actively participating in United Nations Peace Keeping Missions through ground approach, training, and research institutions. The country’s services for global peace and rehabilitating the oppressed are based on foundational principles of foreign policy formulated by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
- Restoration of peace and reconstruction
Under the flagship of United Nations Peace Keeping Missions, Pakistan has a long history of determination, commitment, and professionalism for peace restoration in different parts of the world. Whether it is the 1960s Congo civil war, the transition of Western New Guinea from Dutch rule to Indonesia, or the Iraq-Kuwait war, Pakistani troops have successfully maintained and monitored the ceasefire, gaining the confidence of the local community and, ultimately, peace. In acknowledgement of extraordinary efforts by Pakistani troops during the transition of Indonesia, Chinese Premier Chou-En-Lai said, “The only example in United Nation’s history, when United Nations forces had gone performed its role honestly and came out, was Pakistan’s military contingent to Indonesia.
- Top Troops Contributing Country (TCC)
Pakistan’s services for United Nations peacekeeping missions have been phenomenal in terms of a large number of deployed troops. It has been one of the Top Troops Contributing Countries (TCC). According to the country’s foreign office, 181 military persons have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Likewise, the country attributes ten percent of all casualties to the United Nations peacekeepers. The higher number of peacekeepers’ casualties reveals the country’s determination for global peace, upholding the charter of the United Nations. Besides, the country hosted the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), the oldest peacekeeping mission during the India-Pakistan war in 1965. To Antonio Guterres, the secretary general of the United Nations (UNGS), Pakistan is one of the main donors to the UN peacekeeping.
- Institutions for training and research
Besides ground operations, the institutional capacity to train and equip future peacekeepers with the necessary skills has glorified Pakistan’s contribution to peacekeeping missions. To illustrate, the Center for International Peace and Stability (CIPS), inaugurated by former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, offers different courses and diplomas about conflict resolution. The center also includes a research program to probe multifaceted approaches for peace restoration. Besides, the School of Infantry and Tactics, Peace Keeping Instruction Wing provides physical training for ground activities.
- Deployment of Female Engagement Team (FET)
Pakistan is one of the countries that have achieved the deployment of 15% of its female officers. Despite cultural and religious norms, the Deployment of a Female Engagement Team (FET) reflects the country’s commitment to peacekeeping missions. Accordingly, over Five hundred Pakistani peacekeepers have served in these missions. Notably, Shahzadi Gulfam of the Pakistan Police was the first to receive the International Female Police Peacekeeping Award in 2011. For sure, the engagement of females in these missions has been pivotal in gaining locals’ trust and dispute resolution.
- Rehabilitation of law and order
In addition, Pakistani blue helmets have played a significant role in the rehabilitation of law and order in war-torn countries. For instance, these developments include negotiations between rival groups, the conduction of fair elections, and the transition of power. In addition, to assure long-term peace, Pakistani peacekeepers endeavor national security reforms like restructuring the military and training police to safeguard civilians. In this context, the smooth conduction of elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2006 and 2011 by Pakistani contingents under the umbrella of United Nations Peace Keeping Missions reflects the country’s role in rehabilitating law and order.
- Infrastructure development
Besides conflict management, Pakistani troops have cooperated in local infrastructure development, including roads, military bases, repairmen of bridges, and airfields. During the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Pakistan Engineering Company-5 has shown remarkable dedication to the completion of ammunition disposal and infrastructure repair work. Similarly, in South Sudan, Pakistani peacekeepers have phenomenally worked to build and maintain dikes that saved thousands of displaced civilians in Bantiu from catastrophic floods. In honour, 23 blue helmets were awarded Force Commander Commendation Cards.
- Local community development
Similarly, under the United Nations Peace Keeping Missions banner, Pakistani peacekeepers have actively contributed to uplifting the local community. To illustrate, these measures include providing medical assistance, renovating local schools, and supplying stationary, sports, and clean drinking water. According to Unipath Magazine, Pakistani troops in all United Nations peacekeeping missions organize vocational training programs for local youth in first aid, computer repair, vehicle mechanics, and driving.
Significance of Pakistan’s participation in the United Nations peacekeeping missions
- Recognition of Pakistani Blue Helmets
In the pursuit of peacekeeping, Pakistani troops have shown exceptional professionalism, commitment, and behaviour. As a result, they have garnered recognition from the UN and world leaders. On his visit to Pakistan in 2013, the former United Nations Secretary-General Banki Moon praised the Pakistani Blue Helmets, saying, “I was moved with gratitude for its role in promoting international peace and security’’. Recently, six Pakistani Blue Helmet wearers were awarded posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal of Courage.
- Rusting the title of a haven for terrorism
Pakistan’s efforts for global peace and United Nations peacekeeping missions underscore the country’s commitment and determination to curb terror and reconstruct the lives of the oppressed. However, in the wake of 9/11, it suffered criticism and backlash from the West as a haven for terrorism in Afghanistan and Kashmir. Nonetheless, the country has surprised the world with its selfless endeavours during the War on Terror. Pakistan has the honour of adopting a multidimensional Resolution 0086 under his presidency in the United Nations Security Council in 2013. Hence, these endeavours have garnered diplomatic support for the country, rusting the speculations of safe shelter for terrorism.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, being a developing country, Pakistan has contributed selflessly with determination and courage to United Nations peacekeeping missions. According to Munir Ahmad, the country’s ambassador to the United Nations, “We are committed to helping the vulnerable communities affected by conflict and will continue to adapt to the changing environment and needs of the peacekeeping operations”. The institutional capacity to provide training, research, and ground participation as a TCC has glorified the country’s role in these missions. Interestingly, the 15% inclusion of women officers in these missions exhibits the soft image of the country and reflects the country’s commitment to peace. Therefore, it is high time that the world should acknowledge the country’s endeavours and helped it to eliminate the threat of terrorism across borders.
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