While the world celebrate 24 October as United Nations (UN) Day, we must not forget the role and sacrifices of Pakistan Army in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions all over the world. Pakistan's commitment with UN for promoting international peace and prosperity stems from the vision of its Founding Father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Pakistan’s journey with UN Peacekeeping operations began in 1960 when it deployed its first ever contingent in United Nations Operations in Congo (ONUC). Over the past 55 years, Pakistan has been the most significant and consistent contributor to the UN Peacekeeping around the World. Pakistani peacekeepers have left no stone unturned in the noble cause of helping humanity, building peace and bringing stability across the regions, under the banner of United Nations.
Pakistan has contributed more than 1, 60,000 troops till to-date in 41 Missions spread over 23 countries in almost all continents of the World. Pakistan has remained one of the largest Troops Contributing Countries consistently for many years. Presently, Pakistan is contributing more than 7500 all ranks deployed in 6 different UN Missions. In pursuance of its commitment to the noble cause of international peace and tranquility 144 Pakistani troops including 23 Officers have given the ultimate sacrifice in different UN Missions, almost an equal number have been wounded.
The performance of Pakistani peacekeepers has been acknowledged worldwide by numerous world leaders and the UN leadership. The undisputed high professional standing enjoyed by Pakistani peacekeepers has given them the honour of being one of the most desired body of troops in each UN Peacekeeping Mission.