ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is a major contributor to peacekeeping missions worldwide, with a long record of involvement in critical operations.
The International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21, was established by the United Nations in 1981 to draw global attention to peace and the resolution of conflicts.
Pakistan's first UN peacekeeping mission was in the Congo from 1960 to 1964, where around 400 troops provided vital logistical support, including troop movements, weapons handling, and ration distribution, as per the NUST Journal of International Peace and Stability. Their efforts helped de-escalate tensions during an unstable political period and were praised internationally.
Operations in Somalia, 1992-95
One of Pakistan's most notable roles was in Somalia during the UNOSOM I and II missions. Pakistani troops were among the first to deploy in 1992, playing an important role in securing humanitarian aid deliveries and providing security across Mogadishu and other regions.
Pakistani troops suffered heavy losses on June 5, 1993, when the peacekeepers were attacked during the Battle of Mogadishu. The confrontation was triggered by an attempt to shut down Radio Mogadishu, run by the Somali National Alliance (SNA).
Despite heavy losses, Pakistani troops played a key role in the rescue of stranded US Rangers in the "Black Hawk Down" incident, earning praise for their courage and tenacity.
Peacekeeping in Bosnia
From 1994, Pakistan deployed some 3,000 troops to Bosnia and Croatia as part of the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR). Pakistani forces helped protect safe areas, provided humanitarian aid, and guarded civilians from ethnic violence.
Six Pakistani peacekeepers died, and one officer was taken hostage during the conflict.
Sierra Leone
Between 1999 and 2005, Pakistan contributed around 4,000 troops to Sierra Leone, according to the UN. The peacekeeping troops supported disarmament, demobilization, and the peaceful conduct of the 2002 elections.
Their efforts included rebuilding infrastructure and providing medical aid.
Current deployment
Today, Pakistan remains one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping. It has participated in over 41 peacekeeping missions across 23 countries, deploying over 150,000 troops, according to Pakistan's Permanent Mission to the UN.
More than 235,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have served in 48 United Nations peacekeeping missions across 29 countries worldwide. Currently, Pakistan has 8,230 personnel deployed, representing over 9% of UN peacekeeping forces, and ranks as the sixth-largest police contributor.
Pakistan’s role beyond troops includes membership in various UN bodies, such as the Human Rights Council and the UNICEF Executive Board. Additionally, Pakistan actively promotes arms control and disarmament through annual UN General Assembly resolutions aimed at strengthening regional security and global peace norms.
The 2025 International Day of Peace theme
The 2025 International Day of Peace theme, "Act Now for a Peaceful World," draws attention to urgent global challenges. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: “Around the world, lives are being ripped apart, childhoods extinguished, and basic human dignity discarded, amidst the cruelty and degradation of war.”
The United Nations’ 2025 agenda calls for collective action to tackle poverty, inequality, discrimination, and injustice — key drivers of violence as noted by the UN Peacebuilding Commission, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
Peacekeepers continue to work in risky conditions worldwide to maintain stability and assist communities affected by conflict.
