Ban Ki-moon attends Pakistan peacekeepers' photo exhibition in NY
Pakistan Army contingents are playing role of peacekeepers in different troubled countries
NEW YORK (Dunya News/APP) – Image exhibition was organised in New York City in connection with Pakistan’s peace mission which was attended by Secretary General of United Nations, Ban Ki-moon.
The UN Secretary General lauded Pakistan Army’s efforts in peace missions in different countries. He said that Pakistan and different international organizations have common cause of peace in the entire world.
“Today, more than 7,000 uniformed personnel from Pakistan are serving in seven peacekeeping missions, making it our third largest troop- and police-contributor,” Ban said.
The pictures on display, he said, were a testament to that long and rich history.
“In my travels, I have had the privilege of seeing first-hand the professionalism and commitment of Pakistani police and military personnel, ” the secretary-general added.
“In places like Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia, Pakistani units were instrumental in the much improved political and security situation that the people of these countries enjoy today.”
The Secretary General recommended dispatching peace mission to Mali.
Pakistan s Permanent Representative at United Nations, Maleeha Lodhi paid tribute to Pakistan Army and other law enforcement agencies for working towards a better world.
“For well over half a century, Pakistani peacekeeping troops have seen injustice in far off places and been forces for a better world,” he told a large and distinguished gathering of top diplomats, military attaches, senior UN officials and members of the Pakistani community at a reception hosted by Lodhi on Wednesday to commemorate Pakistani Peacekeepers Day.
In her remarks, Ambassador Lodhi called for a collective response to the challenges that modern peacekeeping faces today. “Our goal is common” to ensure that in the current context, the UN’s peacekeeping missions can effectively fulfill their mandates”, she said.
Ambassador Lodhi praised Jibran Nasir, a civil society activist and founder of the NGO, Never Forget Pakistan, who was the brain child for website that was also launched at the event. The website highlights Pakistan’s contributions to UN peacekeeping.
Later, Jibran Nasir in his presentation of the website, especially focused on a page – the Wall of Valour – dedicated to the 145 fallen, who had made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of international peace and security.
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Jibran briefs about Pakistan’s different missions
Lodhi gave a special introduction to the award-winning Pakistani peacekeeper Shahzadi Gulfam to the cheers from the gathering.
Pakistani Peacekeepers, she said, serve the UN with bravery, distinction, professionalism and dedication. “The photo exhibition that you see here is testimony to this strong tradition since the early 1960s,” she added.
Pakistan is supporting peace-cause in the world for the past decades, she said. Lodhi said that Pakistan would continue to play its role to achieve targets of peace mission. A website was also launched at the event to highlight Pakistan’s role in peace missions.
Pakistan Army contingents played role of peacekeepers in Somalia and Cambodia among other countries.
Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Herve Ladsous, and UN Military Adviser Lieutenant General Maqsood Ahmed were among those present in the event, which was held at UN Headquarter in New York. Also present was Shahzadi Gulfam, the first recipient of the International Female Peacekeeper Award in 2011.
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