Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has called for UN Security Council’s unified and consistent support to all peace operations. He was addressing the closing of a peacekeeping ministerial preparatory meeting, co-hosted by Pakistan and the Republic of Korea, in Islamabad on Wednesday.
According to Radio Pakistan, Ishaq Dar emphasized that mandates must be clear, focused, and grounded in field realities, while troop-contributing countries should actively participate in their formulation from the outset. He stated that missions require resources matching their mandates and should not be tasked with more responsibilities without adequate resources.
The Deputy Prime Minister suggested that deployment decisions should rely on professional standards and track records to enhance performance. He advocated for strengthening regional and cross-regional partnerships, noting that the recent Security Council Resolution 2719 on financing African Union-led operations is a significant step forward. Dar also proposed exploring closer collaboration with organizations like the OIC.
Dar further mentioned that peacekeeping should be integrated into a broader peace continuum, linked with peacebuilding efforts and anchored in long-term engagement. He stressed the importance of the safety and security of peacekeepers and the swift accountability of perpetrators of attacks on them. He added that peacekeeping must be part of a broader political strategy addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering inclusive political solutions, noting that without a viable political process, peacekeeping can only offer temporary respite.
Highlighting Pakistan’s contributions to global peace efforts, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that the country has proudly served in UN peacekeeping for over 60 years, with over 235,000 Pakistani personnel participating in 48 missions worldwide. He affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the values of the UN Charter and the promise of multilateral cooperation.
Ishaq Dar mentioned that Pakistan hosts one of the UN’s oldest peacekeeping missions, UNMOGIP, tasked with monitoring the ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir. He claimed that Pakistan fully facilitates its operations and demanded similar access across the Line of Control for the mission to be effective, as it is vital for regional stability. He urged the Security Council to uphold its commitments towards a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in line with its resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s vision of a future defined by peace, connectivity, and shared prosperity on both its western and eastern borders, characterized by cooperation, trade, and sustainable development. He emphasized the need to protect peacekeepers, modernize missions for future challenges, and strengthen the foundations of a multilateral order rooted in justice, dignity, mutual respect, and collective security.