UNITED NATIONS (Usman Shami) – Pakistan has vowed to support UN peacekeeping efforts for its forces in war zones.
Addressing the UN Peacekeeping Summit co-chaired along with President Barack Obama at the UN Headquarters in New York, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan has all along supported efforts for reforms and strengthening of UN Peacekeeping forces.
The Prime Minister said we are committed to provide unmaned aerial vehicles to enhance capabilities related to protection of civilian and military personnel.
He said Pakistan has consistently figured among the top troop contributors to the United Nations.
The Prime Minister said our professional, well-trained and competent peace keepers are deployed in the most difficult theaters, staying the course in Liberia, even during the Ebola outbreak.
Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan also remains committed to contribute to UN police requirements in the future.
He endorsed Pakistan’s full support to the initiative of UN peace keeping Capability Readiness System.
Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan would continue deployment of precious assets to ensure rapid deployment.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan considers modern technology an important component of peacekeeping.
The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon briefed the Summit on peace keeping operations, its successes and difficulties.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Obama observed there is need for mobilization of resources to retain peacekeeping as an effective tool for the maintenance of international peace and security.
They noted that UN Peacekeeping, despite its successes, faces new challenges in a rapidly changing strategic scenario.
Meanwhile, leaders of more than 50 countries have pledged about
40,000 new troops and police to the UN peace operations.
Addressing the summit President Barak Obama said the new contributions needed to bolster UN peace missions.
Addressing the Summit UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said more than 120 countries are currently contributing personnel in peacekeeping forces.
These numbers show peacekeeping’s importance value, but are also a sign of troubled times.
Earlier, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attended the inaugural session of the UN General Assembly debate along with other world leaders.
On this occasion, he also had informal exchange of views with leaders of other countries.
