ISLAMABAD : 16 April 2025 – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM) Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday issued a strong call for revitalized global cooperation and modernization of United Nations peacekeeping efforts through technology, accountability and multilateral unity.
Addressing delegates from over 30 nations, UN officials, and military leadership during the closing session of a high-level preparatory meeting co-hosted by Pakistan and the Republic of Korea, the deputy prime minister emphasized the urgent need to adapt peacekeeping missions to present day’s rapidly evolving security landscape.
“UN peacekeeping remains one of the most visible and cost-effective instruments for maintaining international peace and security,” he said, adding, “but this noble endeavor comes at a profound human cost.”
Dar paid tribute to the 4,423 peacekeepers who have lost their lives in service—including 181 from Pakistan including a female peacekeeper—and warned that peacekeeping missions were increasingly under threat from disinformation, non-state armed groups, and the misuse of emerging technologies.
Over two days of discussions in Islamabad, participants explored how advanced technologies—such as UAVs, counter-IED systems, and early-warning tools—could improve mission effectiveness and safety. “Only credible deterrence will protect our peacekeepers,” Dar asserted, calling for stronger mechanisms of accountability against attacks on UN personnel.
The Deputy Prime Minister laid out seven guiding principles for reforming peacekeeping, including clear mandates, inclusive political processes, adequate resources, and strengthened regional partnerships. He also welcomed the UN Security Council’s recent resolution to fund African Union-led operations and encouraged deeper collaboration with bodies like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s six-decade legacy of peacekeeping, noting that over 235,000 Pakistani personnel have served in 48 UN missions. He also highlighted Pakistan’s continued support for the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) and urged equal access for the mission on both sides of the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution in line with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Despite global and regional challenges, Dar ended on an optimistic note: “We envision a future of peace, connectivity, and shared prosperity—not confrontation. Let us renew our commitment to those who protect peace, and to a multilateral order rooted in justice, dignity, mutual respect, and collective security.”
The Islamabad meeting serves as a key lead-up to the 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference scheduled for Berlin later this year.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received the UN Under Secretary Generals Jean-Pierre Lacroix (DPO) & Atul Khare (DOS) on the sidelines of the UN Peacekeeping Preparatory Meeting,co-hosted by Pakistan & Republic of Korea in Islamabad.
DPM/FM reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to UN peacekeeping and recalled Pakistan’s proud legacy in the peacekeeping arena. He expressed the hope that the Peacekeeping Preparatory Meeting in Islamabad would prove to be an important stepping-stone towards adapting the UN peace operations to contemporary challenges.
*REMARKS BY DPM/FM AT THE CLOSING OF PEACEKEEPING MINISTERIAL PREPARATORY MEETING, CO-HOSTED BY PAKISTAN AND REPUBLIC OF KOREA (15-16 APRIL)*
“Towards a Safer and More Effective Peacekeeping: Use of Technology and Integrated Approach”
It is indeed both a privilege and a pleasure to join you all at the closing of this important Peacekeeping Ministerial Preparatory Meeting—an event that has brought together a wealth of expertise, insight, and commitment to the cause of international peace and security. I trust that the past two days have fostered rich dialogue, practical ideas, and renewed resolve, all of which will serve as an important stepping stone for our upcoming discussions in Berlin.
2. Let me begin by extending my deep appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Korea for co-hosting this meeting, and to the United Nations Secretariat for its indispensable support. I also hope that during your stay, you felt comfortable and the warmth of traditional Pakistani hospitality.
3. UN Peacekeeping remains one of the most visible and cost-effective instruments for maintaining international peace and security. But this noble endeavor comes at a profound human cost. Today, we pause to honour the 4,423 brave peacekeepers from over 130 nations who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Among them are 181 Pakistanis, including a courageous female peacekeeper. We salute their heroism and remember their legacy with gratitude and reverence.
4. Regrettably, UN peacekeeping today stands at a crossroads, challenged by widening geopolitical divides that erode the political will essential for collective action. The legitimacy of UN Missions and safety and security of Peacekeepers is increasingly being undermined by the spread of disinformation, destabilizing effects of emerging technologies and the rise of non-state armed actors etc.
5. At the same time, the threat to multilateralism, rising unilateralism and financial pressures are straining the sustainability and effectiveness of UN peacekeeping operations, underscoring the urgent need to revitalize multilateral cooperation and adapting peacekeeping to a rapidly evolving global landscape.
6. Over the past two days, we have heard a range of innovative and actionable proposals. From the deployment of modern technologies—such as counter-IED systems, UAVs, ground radar, and early-warning tools—to the use of simulation-based training for better preparedness, the message is clear: UN Peacekeeping must embrace technological transformation. We must also ensure that attacks against peacekeepers are met with credible accountability.Only credible deterrence will protect our peacekeepers.
7. The future of peacekeeping demands adaptation. As the global security landscape evolves, so should the structures and strategies be deployed. To this end, Pakistan believes that the review of UN Peacekeeping must be anchored in the following guiding principles:
One, strong political backing is essential. The Security Council must provide unified and consistent support to all peace operations.
Two, mandates must be clear, focused, and grounded in field realities. Troop-contributing countries must be actively involved in their formulation from the outset.
Three, missions need resources that match their mandates. Peacekeeping Missions should not be asked to do more with insufficient resources.
Four, As performance matters, deployment decisions should be based on professional standards and track records.
Five, regional and cross-regional partnerships must be strengthened. The recent Security Council Resolution 2719 on financing African Union-led operations is a significant step forward. We should also explore closer collaboration with organizations like the OIC.
Six, peacekeeping should be part of a broader peace continuum—integrated with peacebuilding efforts and anchored in long-term engagement.
Seven, safety and security of peacekeepers must remain paramount. In an era of complex conflicts and rising disinformation against UN Missions, we must ensure they are adequately protected—and that perpetrators of attacks on peacekeepers are held swiftly accountable.
8. And finally, peacekeeping must be part of a broader political strategy—one that addresses the root causes of conflict and fosters inclusive political solutions. Without a viable political process, peacekeeping can only provide temporary respite.
9. Pakistan has proudly served UN peacekeeping for over 60 years. More than 235,000 of our personnel have participated in 48 missions across the globe. We remain committed to the values of the UN Charter and the promise of multilateral cooperation.
10. We also host one of the UN’s oldest peacekeeping missions—UNMOGIP—tasked with monitoring the ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan fully facilitates its operations. For the mission to be effective, it must be granted similar access across the Line of Control. This is vital for regional stability. The Security Council must also uphold its commitments toward a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in line with its resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
11. Despite regional challenges, Pakistan remains optimistic. We envision a future of peace, connectivity, and shared prosperity on both our western and eastern borders—a future defined not by confrontation, but by cooperation, trade, and sustainable development.
12. Let us leave this meeting with a renewed commitment—to protect those who protect peace, to modernize missions for the challenges ahead, and to strengthen the foundations of a multilateral order rooted in justice, dignity, mutual respect and collective security.
