UNITED NATIONS - Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, met with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), to discuss the impact of contingency planning measures on UN peacekeeping operations and the importance of safeguarding mandate delivery, including the protection of civilians and the safety and security of peacekeepers.
The meeting, held at UN Headquarters in New York, comes at a critical juncture for UN peacekeeping, as missions face increasing budget pressures, troop reductions, and evolving security threats in some of the world's most dangerous environments.
Ambassador Ahmad and Under-Secretary-General Lacroix discussed how contingency planning measures - including potential drawdowns, reconfigurations, or exit strategies - affect the operational effectiveness of peacekeeping missions.
The Permanent Representative emphasized that mandate delivery must remain the central priority of any peacekeeping operation, regardless of budgetary or political pressures. This is particularly relevant as the UN Security Council has recently reduced troop ceilings for missions such as UNMISS (South Sudan) despite deteriorating security situations on the ground.
A core focus of the discussion was the protection of civilians - the primary mandate of most UN peacekeeping missions. Ambassador Ahmad reiterated Pakistan's position that:
Civilian protection mandates must be matched with adequate resources
Troop reductions should not come at the expense of vulnerable populations
Peacekeepers must have the capability and authority to respond to threats against civilians
Pakistan has consistently argued that reducing troop levels in volatile environments undermines the mission's ability to protect civilians - a position Ambassador Ahmad previously articulated during the UNMISS mandate renewal debate.
The meeting also addressed the growing threats facing peacekeepers in the field. Ambassador Ahmad stressed that:
Attacks against peacekeepers are unacceptable and must be investigated
Perpetrators of crimes against peacekeepers must be held accountable
Troop-contributing countries (TCCs) deserve robust support from the UN system when their personnel are targeted
Pakistan has suffered significant casualties in UN peacekeeping missions, with over 180 Pakistani peacekeepers having laid down their lives while serving under the UN flag - the highest number of casualties among TCCs.
Ambassador Ahmad reaffirmed Pakistan's readiness to further contribute to UN peacekeeping efforts, including:
Troop contributions - Pakistan remains one of the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions worldwide
Police and civilian personnel - Pakistan also contributes police officers and civilian experts to various missions
Women in peacekeeping - Pakistan has been a leader in deploying female peacekeepers, including in gender-sensitive roles
Capacity building - Pakistan offers training programs for peacekeepers from other countries
As of 2026, Pakistan continues to deploy thousands of military and police personnel to UN missions, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), South Sudan (UNMISS), Abyei (UNISFA), Western Sahara (MINURSO), the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), and other operations.
The Permanent Representative also expressed support for initiatives aimed at strengthening accountability for crimes committed against peacekeepers.
Key accountability issues discussed include:
Investigating attacks against UN personnel and premises
Prosecuting perpetrators under national and international law
Strengthening legal frameworks to deter future attacks
Supporting TCCs in ensuring justice for fallen peacekeepers
Ambassador Ahmad noted that peacekeepers operate in dangerous environments and often pay the ultimate price for their service. The international community has a moral and legal obligation to ensure that those who attack peacekeepers face consequences.
Pakistan's engagement with the Department of Peace Operations reflects its longstanding leadership in UN peacekeeping:
| Category | Pakistan's Contribution |
|---|---|
| Total peacekeepers deployed (historical) | Over 200,000 |
| Casualties suffered | Over 180 martyred |
| Current deployment | Thousands (military, police, civilian) |
| Missions served | Over 40 UN operations |
| Female peacekeepers | Consistent deployment, including in senior roles |
Pakistan has participated in almost every UN peacekeeping mission since its first deployment to the Congo in 1960. Pakistani peacekeepers have served with distinction in some of the most challenging environments, including Somalia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Bosnia, Haiti, and multiple operations in Africa and the Middle East.
The meeting between Ambassador Ahmad and Lacroix takes place against a backdrop of significant challenges for UN peacekeeping:
UN peacekeeping budgets have faced cuts in recent years, with major contributors (including the United States) reducing their financial commitments. These cuts have forced missions to operate with fewer resources while facing the same or greater demands.
Several peacekeeping missions operate in environments where host governments are unwilling or unable to cooperate fully with the UN. This includes restrictions on movement, denial of access to conflict-affected populations, and obstruction of mandate implementation.
Peacekeepers are increasingly targeted by armed groups, including:
Asymmetric attacks on patrols and convoys
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes
Direct fire on UN positions and bases
Kidnapping and hostage-taking of UN personnel
Peacekeepers also face non-combat threats, including:
Tropical diseases (malaria, Ebola, COVID-19)
Extreme weather conditions
Underdeveloped medical infrastructure in mission areas
As part of its commitment to UN peacekeeping, Pakistan has taken several steps to enhance its preparedness:
Pre-deployment training - Pakistani peacekeepers undergo rigorous training before deployment, including language skills, cultural awareness, and mission-specific tasks
Gender integration - Pakistan has increased the deployment of female peacekeepers, including in combat roles
Technology adoption - Pakistan has invested in modern equipment for its peacekeeping contingents
Knowledge sharing - Pakistan offers training courses for peacekeepers from other TCCs at its Peacekeeping Training Centre
Ambassador Ahmad and Under-Secretary-General Lacroix agreed on the need for continued dialogue between TCCs and the UN Secretariat on issues affecting peacekeeping operations. Key priorities include:
Ensuring that mandate delivery remains the central priority of all missions
Matching resources (troops, equipment, funding) with responsibilities
Strengthening accountability for crimes against peacekeepers
Improving coordination between TCCs, the Security Council, and the Secretariat
Pakistan's contribution to UN peacekeeping is a source of national pride. Over 180 Pakistani peacekeepers have been martyred while serving the cause of international peace and security - more than any other country.
These sacrifices have not been forgotten. Pakistani peacekeepers are widely respected for their professionalism, courage, and dedication to protecting civilians - even at great personal risk.
As Ambassador Ahmad reaffirmed Pakistan's readiness to continue contributing to UN peacekeeping, the message was clear: Pakistan remains committed to the ideals of the UN Charter, to the protection of vulnerable populations, and to the safety of peacekeepers who serve under the UN flag.
The meeting with Jean-Pierre Lacroix ensures that the concerns of TCCs like Pakistan will continue to be heard at the highest levels of UN peacekeeping leadership.
