Reema Shaukat
There is charisma and grandeur when people are dressed up in uniform. Wearing organization’s uniform or particular dress code show that they devote their services to organization, by not only taking oath that they will abide to their duties but will honour their uniform too. In the comity of nations when it was decided to have a unified force to solve the problems of each other, United Nations Organization came up with the idea of having such unified peacetimeforce which will be a representative of global peacekeeping force. United Nation’s General Assembly designated 29 May as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers in its resolution 57/129 passed in 1948. Initially first UN peacekeeping mission deputed to Palestine was named as “United Nations Truce Supervision Organization” or UNTSO. This day is marked to pay accolade to courage, valour and professionalism of those men and women who are serving in peacekeeping operations going on in different countries. This day also honours those who had lost their lives for the sustenance of peace in conflicted zones. Distinguished uniform and blue helmets are the symbol of UN Peacekeeping Force which are presently working in four continents of the world with around 124,000 personnel deputed on 16 peace missions.
Pakistan as a responsible member of United Nations also rendered its services to UN missions for peace. Pakistan’s commitment with the UN for promoting international peace and stability sprouts from the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Pakistan’s role in peacekeeping efforts began in 1960 when it deployed its first contingent in the UN operations in Congo. Over the past 56 years Pakistan has contributed unfailingly for peace efforts internationally. Pakistan’s efforts to serve humanity are visible from the fact that being largest giver over the years more than 160,000 troops in 41 missions are spreaded over 23 countries in almost all continents. Major contributions of Pakistan Army are in Congo, Liberia, Somalia, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Bosnia, Kosovo, Georgia, East Timor and Haiti.Pakistan started through its first mission in Congo in 1960. For maintaining and monitoring ceasefire during transition of West Irian from Dutch rule to Indonesians, Pakistan contributed 1500 infantry troops from October 3, 1962 to April 30, 1963. Since then it has sent its troops and personnel from Pakistan Army to Yemen, Middle East (Kuwait-Iraq war), Cambodia, Haiti and Bosnia. Presently it is playing major role for peace efforts in African countries.
Despite the fact that Pakistan Army is playing a vital role in the restoration of peace in its own country and face tough situation in the wake of war against terrorism, yet their services towards global peace efforts are highly commendable. They are fighting fearlessly against miscreants inside country though their large number is working overseasin peace missions too. It is seen in recent past that even though armed forces of Pakistan are working day and night to not only defend territorial borders but for internal peace and stability they stand out along with other para-military forces. In pursuance of harmony they have faced heavy loss not only physically but morally too. Pakistan has a success story in thwarting down the elements of anti-state violence. It has been observed that foreign forces are not exultantwith this rise and shine of defence forces of Pakistan and they often generate false propaganda to narrow down people’s approach towards armed forcesmagnificence. Not only foreign components but insiders too are involved in demoralizing Army by portraying their wrong picture in issue of Kashmir and Baluchistan using the 1971 saga. Freedom of expression or freedom of speech should not in any case be used against each other as such kind of notion will give more edge to foes to play their offensive tactics rather interfaith harmony be promoted. National interest should be kept supreme along with dignity and pride of armed forces of Pakistan.
Role of armed forces should not be applauded on specific days but time and again nation should be reminded of their sacrifices. The year 2016 was announced by UN as the year of “Honouring our Heroes” and the year 2017 is designated as “Investing in Peace Around the World” so why not we also join hands to honour our heroes who are sacrificing their lives for the sovereignty of nation and existence of their countrymen and invest our energies and strength for restoring peace in our country and raise voice where Muslims are suffering. Definitely with changing global security dynamics, over the years this UN peacekeeping force has evolved its goals from simply monitoring ceasefires to protecting civilians, disarming ex-combatants, protecting human rights, promoting the rule of law, supporting free and fair elections, minimizing the risk of land-mines and much more. They have also worked to ensure that women are represented in peace processes, political life, and in branches of government including in uniformed services. All of these efforts are fundamental investments in building lasting peace. In a message for UN Peacekeepers Day UN Secretary General Antonio’ Guterres said, “On this International Day of UN Peacekeepers we pay tribute to more than 113,000 ‘Blue Helmets’, UN Police and civilian personnel deployed to 16 missions. We acknowledge the contribution made by an ever-growing number of Member States to our operations. Their efforts on behalf of the international community are one of the most concrete expressions of the UN Charter’s determination ‘to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war’.” Despite the challenges the performance of Pakistani peacekeepers has been acknowledged by numerous world leaders and the UN leadership. For the gallant cause of tranquillity around the globe so far 144 Pakistani soldiers, among them 23 officers, have given the ultimate sacrifice in UN missions and almost an equal number of troops have been wounded. Let’s honour the single drop of blood of each soldier in the best way they are worthy of!!
