UN lauds Pak peacekeeping efforts

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s continued efforts in the field of UN peacekeeping were lauded by visiting UN officials who are in town and called on the Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz at the Foreign Office.
In September, Pakistani doctors in the UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia, a west African country, gave free treatment to more than 600 patients in a remote town of Plbeebo.
As usual, the Sharif government’s media gurus did not play this up even though the doctors’ efforts were applauded by world capitals. On Monday, Jose Ramos-Horta, Chair of the UN High Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations held meetings at the FO. He was accompanied by two other members of the Panel –Ameerah Haq and Abhijit Guha.
The Panel had a working meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with representatives of the Ministries of Defence and Interior and Pakistan Army. The delegation also met with the minister of Defence and the director general of Military Operations.
Spokesperson at the Foreign Office said in a statement that the officials were visiting Pakistan for consultations on the review of the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions, initiated by the UN Secretary General.
“Mr Horta appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping and particularly lauded the dedication and professionalism of Pakistani peacekeepers. He said that the Panel would benefit from the views of major and experienced troop contributing countries like Pakistan,” said the spokesperson.
The Panel will make a comprehensive assessment of the UN peace operations and make recommendations to enhance their effectiveness in face of the evolving nature of conflict and emerging needs.
“Recalling Pakistan’s leading role and contribution for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Adviser reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued commitment and support for UN peacekeeping. He shared Pakistan’s perspective on the peacekeeping, peace building and conflict prevention activities of the United Nations,” added the spokesperson.
The adviser emphasised the importance of the time tested basic principles of peacekeeping, the need for clear and achievable mandates, provision of adequate capacities and resources and inclusive decision-making involving troop contributing countries, for ensuring success of UN peacekeeping.
In September, Pakistan which is the largest contributor of peacekeepers to the UN Mission in Liberia, with almost 2,000 military and police personnel now serving in Liberia, saw its Battalion providing specialised health services at the doorsteps.