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Posthumous UN Medals Awarded to Eight Pakistani Peacekeepers in Honor

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Mazhar Abbas
New Update
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres presenting the posthumous Dag Hammarskjold Medal to the families of fallen peacekeepers. <br>Image Credit: Associated Press of Pakistan

Honoring the Fallen Peacekeepers

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The United Nations held a solemn ceremony on Thursday to honor and remember the bravery and sacrifice of 103 military, police, and civilian personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty while serving under the UN flag. Among them were eight Pakistani peacekeepers whose dedication to peace led to the ultimate sacrifice. The special ceremony, commemorating the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping, was presided over by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who presented the posthumous Dag Hammarskjold Medal to the families of the fallen peacekeepers.

Pakistan's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Aamir Khan, received the awards on behalf of the families of the six Pakistani peacekeepers who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash during their service with the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) on March 29, 2022. Additionally, Havildar Babar Siddique and Corporal Rana Muhammad Tahir Islam, who served in MONUSCO and the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) respectively, were also honored.

(Read Also: Massive Drug Seizure: Over 700 Kilograms Confiscated in ANF Raids and Four suspects arrested Across the Pakistan)

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Pakistan's Contributions to International Peace and Security

Pakistan currently ranks as the 5th largest contributor to UN peacekeeping efforts, with nearly 4,200 military and police personnel serving in various conflict zones, including Abyei, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, South Sudan, and Western Sahara. The dedication and commitment of Pakistani peacekeepers in promoting peace and security have been exemplary.

During the ceremony, the Secretary-General also recognized Captain Cecilia Erzuah from Ghana as the recipient of the 2022 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. Captain Erzuah served with the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and played a pivotal role in advancing the principles of UN Security Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security.

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(Read Also: Pakistani peacekeepers save South Sudan’s communities from floods via dykes: UN)

Celebrating International Day of UN Peacekeepers

The United Nations' peacekeeping efforts have a long and rich history, dating back to 1948 when military observers were deployed to the Middle East to oversee the implementation of the Israel-Arab Armistice Agreements. Over the years, more than two million peacekeepers from 125 countries have served in 71 operations worldwide, contributing to peace and stability. Currently, there are approximately 87,000 peacekeepers, both men and women, serving in 12 conflict zones across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

UNpeacekeeping UnitedNations PeacekeepingMissions UN75
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