UN Peacekeeping & Pakistan | News & Discussions

[VisionHawk]

Pak Army sending fresh contingent to Liberia

ISLAMABAD, Dec 28 (APP): Third contingent of the Pakistan Army is replacing the second one with their return after successful completion of tenure in the mission area under UN flag in Liberia. The advance party comprising 290 peacekeepers has already proceeded to Liberia while the remaining troops will be replaced within next three months, said ISPR here Wednesday. The stay of Pakistani troops in Liberia during last two years has been registered as an unprecedented achievement towards restoration of peace in that troubled country. Shortly after taking over the security of Liberia from vanguard military force of ECOWAS, the UN officials assigned the Pakistani Contingent to Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Lofa and Gbarpolu countries.

A strong contingent of 3,000 of all ranks were deployed in an area which was the strongpoint and Headquarters of Liberian United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD), one of the major warring parties in Liberia's civil conflict. The area was declared most deadly and appeared in the list of world's most dangerous places. Due to their professionalism, Pakistani troops were able to pacify the belligerent ex- combatants. Pakistan Army Contingent disarmed 3,500 ex-combatants, recovered 6,000 weapons and over 300,000 rounds of ammunition of various types and over 18,000 kilogram of explosive without firing a single round.

Their achievements have been acclaimed by the UN top officials in Liberia, locals, civil adminstration of Liberia as well as the international media. A BBC correspondent Jonathan Paye after his visit to Klay, the area of responsibility of Pakistani troops wrote "the huge presence of Pakistani United Nations troops backed by Armoured Personnel Carriers, guarantees security in the highway town, located 37 kilometre north-west of Monrovia". Pakistani troops joined United Nations Mission in Liberia in November, 2003 and since then has been actively participating in the peacekeeping operations in that troubled country.

Pakistan Contingent have played and continue to play a vital role in maintenance of peace and security in Liberia. Pakistani troops have not only contributed towards the peacekeeping but also rendered much needed services in the social spheres like improving infrastructure, playgrounds, health care, education, renovating schools, places of worship, recreational sports and parks, establishment of free medical camps and carrying out large number of engineers projects to help the people specially in the four regions in their area of responsibility.

The significant achievement of Pakistani troops came during September this year when they assisted the civil adminstration in holding of first ever elections and later run off election after 1997. The immaculate security arrangements made by the Pakistani troops and their professional worthiness were acclaimed by all in the UN Headquarters and civil adminstration. Pakistani troops have, done a great deal of work for the recreation and entertainment of the locals. A number of football tournaments were held, one of the most popular games in the country, for ex-combatants to gear them towards adjusting them to normal life after years of war.

Apart from renovating parks and recreational spots, Pakistani peacekeepers have developed a rehabilitated Bomi Hill top and Bomi like into a splendid picnic resort with the boating and swimming facilities. Pakistani troops have also started a farming project for the widows and poor. Pakistani troops brushed acres of land, developed it and handed it over to poor women and head of families to grow rice and vegetable. Professional expertise of Pakistan Army Engineers has also helped to enhance positive image of the country.

Besides reconstruction of roads, bridges, culverts, airstrips, helipads, Pakistani troops repaired and renovated religious places, educational institutions and community centers which earned them respect among locals. They also imported rice seeds from Pakistan to try it out in the Liberian soil. The wonderful project was highly appreciated by the locals, which also offered them job opportunities.

 

[Srirangan]

Hi Visionhawk,

I wouldliketo know your opinion about this news considering Pakistan Army is actively involved in Balochistan, Warizistan and Quake relief.

Is the timing of decision good?

- Srirangan

 

[VisionHawk]

Hi Visionhawk,

I wouldliketo know your opinion about this news considering Pakistan Army is actively involved in Balochistan, Warizistan and Quake relief.

Is the timing of decision good?

- Srirangan

Hi srinagran,

Good question but there is no army operation going on in Balochistan yet only police and some para military forces have been involved against bugti who are now been captured

Well as far as sending a fresh party of soldiers to liberia is concerned i think its a fair decision cause our troops deployed in liberia need rest inorder to be fit and healthy and therefore should be called back or replaced by other soldiers and as far as Waziristan and earthquake is concerned they are playing a good job in relief efforts. Pak army top offiers should have considered the matter that whether there is a need for sending troops to liberia or not and i guess there are enough soldiers of ours for relief efforts where as waziristan is concerned they have completed their mission there with the help of local tribal leaders and people . Beside Pak army is always prepared for action.

 

[Hammad]

srirangan,

Pakistan has enough active troops like 6 or 7th largest active troops in the world. What is going on regarding the earth quake relief is that we have enough people. From Karachi there were thousands of people who actually went to islamabad and those areas for help but it turned out that they were use less against the heavy building that were fallen. Pakistan didn't have equipment but it had the people right on its side.

I hope the goverment of Pakistan does something for future tragedies like that, and it of course includes the equipment for dealing with these tragedies.

 

[VisionHawk]

Pakistan Army: Messengers of peace

By Maj Atique-ur-Rehman

Pakistan Army during the last fifty-six years has always proved to be professional and time-outfit. The story of the evolution of Pakistan Army is indeed an account of unflinching determination against heavy odds. At the time of inception of Pakistan, the army was neither sufficiently equipped nor had the required manpower. Today, it stands as an elegant and formidable force, which is source of pride and elation for the entire country. Pakistan Army has not only defended the territorial integrity of the motherland and quashed enemy aggression from time to time but it has always come to the rescue of the nation during hours of crisis and natural calamities.

The 6th of September reminds us of the day when our brave and valiant armed forces with the support of the nation defeated Indians aggression despite their clear superiority in men and material. The day is celebrated every year with due fervour and solemnity to pay homage to our Shaheeds and Ghazis who rendered supreme sacrifice in the defence of the motherland 38 years ago, the men and officers of the armed forces all along the international border and in Kashmir listed great acts of valour and courage to thwart the enemy nefarious designs.


Pakistan, which firmly believes in the purpose and the principles of the UN Charter, has since 1960, been actively participating in the UN multi-national efforts to maintain peace and order around the globe. Pakistan has been amongst the biggest contributors in the UN peacekeeping missions during the last two decades or so. Its contribution to UN peacekeeping has been as wide-range as the varied cultural, geographic, political and security conditions in which it has to operate.

Pakistani troops formed part of UN Contingent in 1960 and remained engaged in peacekeeping activities for four years and helped the country maintain its political independence, besides forsaking of civil war.

In 1962, Pakistan Army troops were sent to West Irian to be part of the UN contingent that assumed control of the area when Dutch forces withdrew and helped accomplish a smooth transition envisaged by the world body. Pakistan contributed an infantry battalion to the mission.

In Somalia, Pakistan Army troops carried out peacekeeping operations and humanitarian assistance programmes under the aegis of the United Nations Operation from April 1992 to March 1995. Its contingent lived up to the mission nomenclature "Hope" and brought hope and succor to a large number of starving and sick people affected by senseless factional violence, which had caused widespread destruction and dislocation of population. "Many of the soldiers are alive today because of the willingness and skill of the Pakistani soldiers who worked jointly in rescue operation". "We are thankful to people and Army of Pakistan for sending such splendid soldiers to Somalia to whom we feel proud to serve with" said Major General Thomas M Montgomery, Deputy Commander of the UN Forces in Somalia, appreciating role of Pakistani troops in Somalia.

In 1962, Pakistan provided valuable assistance under the aegis of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia during transition period from a country, ripped apart by long factional strife and aggravated by foreign military intervention, to a nation charting out a democratic course and forming a civilian government under a new constitution. Pakistan contributed an infantry battalion, a logistic company, mine clearance and supervisory teams, and military observers.

In the aftermath of the 1991 Gulf War, a taskforce of Pakistan Army engineers performed war recovery mission in the war devastated zone spanning over 3000 square kilometers in Bubian Island located north of Kuwait city. Though the work was not carried out as UN peacekeeping force, yet it helped Kuwait reclaim its war-ravaged land, which was vital for the country's quick recovery and its programme of reconstruction.

Devastated by ethnic cleansing the people of Bosnia Herzegovina suffered untold miseries at the hands of their former compatriots - the ethnic Serbs. Under these circumstances, Pakistan sent two battalions in May 1994 to form part of United Nations Protection Force. These battalions were instrumental in providing protection to various UN agencies and the NGOs operating there and rendered humanitarian assistance in the form of medical care to war ravaged people of the area.

In March 1995, a Pakistan Army battalion was assigned to the UN mission in Haiti. Pakistani troops contributed in a big way towards the restoration of peace and democracy in this strife-torn region of the world with a missionary zeal.

In Eastern Slavonia, Pakistan Army contingent comprising about 1000 troops, arrived in May 1996 as part of UN Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia.

In 2001, Pakistan contributed its troops in East Timour. The mission lasted till 2003. The Pakistan Army contingent comprised troops of Pak Engineers and Pak Signals, which rendered valuable services in restoration of communication infrastructure of the country. In 2002, under UN flag, Pakistani troops were deployed in the most sensitive area of the country. The peacekeeping duties of the Pakistani troops not only brought peace to the country but also helped a great deal in rehabilitation work in the country which earned them a worldwide accolade. The efforts of Pakistani troops have been appreciated by head of states which include Presidents of Nigeria, Mali, Sierra Leone and even UN Secretary General conveyed his appreciation to President General Pervez Musharraf. Many such remarks have been endorsed by top UN officials, Ambassador and other dignitaries who have been visiting area of responsibility of the Pakistani troops during the last two and a half year or so.

Another batch of Pakistani troops comprising over one thousand troops have arrived in Congo during last month to form part of the on-going UN peacekeeping mission in the country.

Pakistan has also been participating in UN military observers groups in Yemen, Namibia, Kuwait, Western Sahara, Bosnia, Liberia, Georgia, Rwanda, Angola, Congo, and Sierra Leone.

Pakistan's participation in peacekeeping activities of the United Nations reflects its belief in the brotherhood of mankind and its commitment to peace across the globe. The humble contribution it has made in this regard be speaks its desire to see the principles of human dignity, freedom and self-determination applied to all the peoples struggling to secure their inalienable rights.

 

[VisionHawk]

Pak troops on UN peace keeping mission leave for Liberia :?:

KARACHI, Feb. 28 (APP)- The second phase of relief-rotation process of Pakistani troops deployed in Liberia on UN Peace Keeping Mission has started with the departure of more than 178 soldiers from Quaid-e-Azam International Airport Monday evening.

Brigadier Azher Manzoor wished the departing troops and said that the Pakistani troops have always shown their commitment to global peace and implemented the United Nations charter in the troubled areas with their sheer professionalism and commitment.

The peace keeping mission has helped in improving the general security environment of Liberia, earning respect for the blue berets and Pakistan. During their tenure as peacekeepers in the war torn cuntry, Pakistani blue berets are participating in various repatriation, rehabilitation and reconstruction operations.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistan is one of the largest troops contributing country in United Nations Peace Missions and presently performing the noble task of peacekeeping and rehabilitation in more than six countries under the aegis of United Nations.

 

[Ahassan]

Pak troops on UN peace keeping mission leave for Liberia.......luckily i didnt get chance.....

 

[JF-17 Thunder]

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[kidwaibhai]

it would be nice if there were some pictures of our boys there helping out.

 

[Spring Onion]

Pakistani UN contingent in Haiti honoured

UNITED NATIONS, Nov 16 (APP) - Members of Pakistan's
1st Battalion of the UN stabilization force was
awarded the United Nations peacekeeping medal at a
ceremony in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, according to a
message received Friday.

The decoration was in recognition of their efforts,
under the United Nations flag, in the service of
consolidating peace in Haiti.The 1st Battalion of the Formed Police Unit (FPU) has
been serving in the United Nations Stabilization
Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) since December 2006, the
press release said.

The FPU is based in Cazeau, an area close to the once
violence-prone Cité Soleil neighborhood. Alongside
the Brazilian peacekeepers, the Pakistani FPU was the
first to enter and intervene in this difficult area of
the nation’s capital. In fact, the FPU is especially
trained and equipped to undertake such high-risk
operations.

The FPU conducts foot and motorized patrols in the
different areas of Port-au-Prince both day and night,
it said. Furthermore, the Pakistani peacekeepers work
hand-in-hand with the Haitian National Police (HNP) to
establish checkpoints and to conduct house to house
searches for the bandits who have undermined the rule
of law in the country.

A total of 124 members of the FPU were honoured. The
ceremony was held in the presence of the United
Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for
Haiti, Hédi Annabi, the Principal Deputy Special
Representative Luiz Carlos da Costa, and the MINUSTAH
Force Commander, General Alberto dos Santos Cruz and
other officials.

The Pakistani FPU’s contribution to the United Nations
peace efforts in Haiti was recognized during the
ceremony held at their camp at Port-au-Prince. In his
speech, the Special Representative, Hédi Annabi,
saluted “their professionalism.” “This medal is in
recognition of your shared sacrifice. It pushes you
also to consolidate your gains, to keep your promise
to the Haitian people and to help build a better
future,” stated Mr. Annabi.

>From his side, the acting Police Commissioner of
MINUSTAH, Richard Warren, declared “you can proudly
wear this medal as you have well served the cause of
peace.”

“We operate on all fronts. We help the HNP in its
work and we answer their call instantly. We share
with them our expertise because we know that one day
they will have to ensure security in their country
without our help,” said the Chief of the 1st
Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Mansoor Ashraf.

For the FPU, participation in MINUSTAH is important
because it demonstrates their country’s solidarity
with Haiti. “It is an honor for us to be in Haiti.
When we first arrived people lived in fear. Now this
situation has changed a lot. I am personally proud
to have participated in this,” said the Deputy Chief
of the Battalion, Ashraf.

Furthermore, the Pakistani police consider their
mission in Haiti as a duty towards the ideals of the
United Nations. It is perceived as a unique
experience, an opportunity for each one of them to
“discover new cultures and share experiences,”
according to Ashraf.

APP

Go our brave sons of Pakistani Soil

 

[amunhotep]

i just wish to see pakistani & indian troops serving together under the U.N flag.

i know that there have been instances in the past where this has been achieved, but they have been rare & far between.

 

[imiakhtar]

Slightly off topic but how are pakistani soldiers transported to their mission zones. I know it's most likely to be by air. Does the UN charter aircraft for them or is the job of transportation left to the PAF?

 

[JF-17 Thunder]

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[z9-ec]

Batch of 200 Pakistani troops leaves for Liberia
LAHORE, May 23

A batch of 200 Pakistani troops left here Friday on UN mission for restoration of peace in war ravaged Liberia. Brigadier Muhammad Imran Zafar bade farewell to troops at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, said ISPR sources.

Speaking on the occasion, Brigadier Muhammad Imran Zafar said that the performance of Pakistani troops under various UN peacekeeping missions abroad has earned them worldwide recognition. He said their professionalism and dedication serves as a role model to be emulated by other UN military components. He urged the troops to perform their duties diligently so as to maintain the hard earned image.

Liberia a small country located at the top of western coast of Africa next to Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast became a republic in 1847. The Liberian economy depends mainly on export of natural resources. The decades of genocide and civil strife between different ethnic groups for the control of these natural resources has virtually damaged the country’s infrastructure. Liberia’s stability is vital to its neighbouring countries, who have witnessed turbulence as a result of the fallout of continued violence.

It may be mentioned that Pakistan Army peacekeeping contingents have rendered dedicated services in neighbouring Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast by playing a major role in stabilising the volatile situation in these war ravaged countries. They ensured security, facilitated repatriation of refugees and restored writ of the democratically elected government through smooth transition.

Associated Press of Pakistan.

 

[fatman17]

Slightly off topic but how are pakistani soldiers transported to their mission zones. I know it's most likely to be by air. Does the UN charter aircraft for them or is the job of transportation left to the PAF?

u r right - UN charter flights - usually tristars L-1011s