UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon paid high tributes to Pakistani peacekeepers for their service under the UN flag in hot spots around the world, saying they had made "remarkable contribution" in maintaining peace coupled with helping families and communities suffering from war. "I have personally met brave Pakistani men and women who serve proudly in some of our toughest missions around the world. They are truly an inspiration," the UN chief said at an exhibition of photographs celebrating more than 50 years of Pakistan's participation in UN peacekeeping operations. The exhibition followed a debate on UN peacekeeping in the Security Council convened by Pakistan, which hold the presidency of the 15-member body for the month of January. The photographs depicted Pakistani soldiers and civilian administrators hard at work-- building peace and bringing development in conflict zones. "This wonderful exhibition reminds us that peacekeeping is more than mandates and missions -- it is our collective promise to help families and communities suffering from war," Ban told a large gathering of heads of mission accredited to the United Nations, senior UN officials and journalists. "This is what our nearly 94,000 uniformed peacekeepers do each day in 15 different missions on four continents," the secretary-general said of the peacekeepers. "The world has great faith in these blue helmets. Countries are entrusting us with more and more challenging tasks. That is why we need highly trained and well-equipped personnel. We need more men -- and especially more women -- who can bravely go into dangerous situations to bring relief to civilians." Since its first deployment to Congo a half century ago, he said Pakistan had sent troops to 33 former missions. Today, almost 9,000 Pakistani uniformed personnel serve in six missions. "The United Nations is deeply grateful for their contributions," the secretary-general said . "Pakistan's historic commitment to peacekeeping has taken a heavy toll. One hundred and thirty-two Pakistanis have lost their lives while serving the UN. We owe them a great debt of gratitude." He narrated instances of Pakistani peacekeepers' planning in saving lives in Congo, but singled out Shahzadi Gulfam, Lahore's Deputy Superintendent of Police and Winner of the 2011 International Female Police Peacekeeper Award, for a special tribute amid warm applause. "Ms. Gulfam is an excellent example of Pakistan's spirit of service -- and she is a true global citizen," the secretary-general said. "I hope many people will be inspired by her spirit..." Earlier, Pakistan UN Ambassador Masood khan welcomed the guests, saying, "As we speak today, some 9,000 peacekeepers are serving in seven missions -- in Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Darfur, East Timor, Haiti, and Western Sahara. In all these places, he Pakistan peacekeepers were holding the two flags high-- of the United Nations and Pakistan. The ambassador quoted Pakistan's founding father, Quaid-i-Azam, as saying, "Pakistan will never be found lacking in ... upholding the principles of the Charter". He added,"Our peacekeepers fulfill that commitment of our Quaid". Speaking next, Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani said, "Peacekeeping is a vital tool for the United Nations to maintain international peace and security. Blue helmets are not only a symbol of the United Nations' global quest for peace but also a beacon of hope for the conflict-affected people of the world." Pakistan Army's Vice Chief of General Staff, General Mazhar Jamil, reaffirmed Pakistan's support to UN peacekeeping for the maintenance of international peace and security. Gen. Jamil, who especially came from Pakistan participate in the event, read out a message from the Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani, saying, "Pakistan Army shall remain, as it has always been, a catalyst for peace to achieve the ideal of collective security; a sine-qua-non for human prosperity. Our commitment to globa peace remains unwavering and steadfast." Pakistan's commitment towards pr DSP Ms. Gulam, who became the star of the event after lavish praise heaped on her by the UN Secretary-General, said, "Working as peacekeeper made me realize that human suffering has no language and no caste or creed. It can be felt across the human hearts and minds even if they do not speak the same language or share the same religion. This experienced helped me immensely in my national duties as well. "Pakistani women are serving in police and military with distinction. We have a strong women police force with separate women police stations. Women in our law-enforcement agencies have rendered memorable services and sacrifice, particularly in the fight against terrorism and extremism. This has enriched our experience, enhanced our capacities and made us more resilient. I hope that the UN will engage more women from Pakistan in peacekeeping duties. We will do a good job."

• published: 22 Jan 2013
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