THE Pakistan Army has a lengthy track record of engaging in peacekeeping operations under the supervision of the United Nations (UN) and other global entities. From the beginning, Pakistan has consistently shown dedication to promoting global peace by actively deploying troops, allocating resources and sharing knowledge in several peacekeeping missions across the globe.
The Pakistan Army participated in the UN Emergency Force (UNEF) following the Suez Crisis in 1956, marking one of its earliest peacekeeping missions. Pakistan has deployed its military forces as part of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) to maintain peace and security in the region, signifying the initiation of its active involvement in peacekeeping missions. Following that, the Pakistan Army persistently participated in the UN peacekeeping operations in many conflict areas, such as the Congo, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Haiti and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Pakistan has made substantial contribution to peacekeeping missions, demonstrating considerable soldier numbers, logistical assistance and conflict resolution and rebuilding skills. The involvement of the Pakistan Army in these operations demonstrates the nation’s dedication to maintaining peace and stability through its Islamic values and global responsibilities. Within the framework of Islamic teachings, the involvement of the Pakistan Army in peacekeeping operations is guided by the goals of fostering peace, upholding justice and providing humanitarian aid.
The Pak Army, as a key participant in the War on Terror, has played a proactive role in countering terrorism within its territory. This has encompassed military actions targeting rebel factions in the tribal areas adjacent to Afghanistan, including Operation Zarb-e-Azb and Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad. Due to its proximity to Afghanistan, Pakistan’s military has been actively involved in substantial border management endeavours. This entails implementing measures to fortify the border to impede the infiltration of terrorists and suppress illicit actions that may exacerbate regional instability. The Pakistani military has undertaken counterinsurgency operations to eradicate terrorist networks and their sanctuaries. This has entailed extensive military operations in regions where extremist organizations are active, aiming to undermine their operational networks. Pakistan has imparted training and support to partner forces in the War on Terror. This includes exchanging knowledge gained from counterterrorism operations and assisting with sharing intelligence and coordination.
Pakistan has engaged in military operations, humanitarian aid and contributing to post-conflict reconstruction endeavours. This encompasses providing assistance to displaced communities and actively participating in the restoration of infrastructure in regions devastated by violence. The Pakistani navy has actively contributed to safeguarding maritime security in the Arabian marine by participating in measures to counter the infiltration of terrorists via marine routes.
Below are several noteworthy instances in which Pakistan’s military has made substantial contribution as peacekeepers, including the names of missions and corresponding dates: Pakistan participated in the UN Emergency Force I (UNEF I) from 1956 to 1967, which was created to oversee the removal of occupying troops from Egypt following the Suez Crisis. The UN Yemen Observer Mission (UNYOM) was a mission in Yemen from 1963 to 1964.Pakistan took part in UNYOM, a mission that sought to supervise the departure of foreign military forces from Yemen. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been present in Lebanon since 1978.
Pakistan has actively participated in UNIFIL, deploying troops to support the maintenance of peace and stability in the South Lebanon. The UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia was a mission in Cambodia from 1992 to 1993.Pakistan participated in the UNTAC mission (1992-1993) to achieve stability and build democratic governance in Cambodia after the fighting (Griffin and Jones 2014).The United Nations Protection Force was deployed in the former Yugoslavia from 1992 to 1995.Pakistan actively engaged in the United Nations Protection Force which was responsible for safeguarding civilians and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance in the Balkans during the Yugoslav Wars.
The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) was a peacekeeping operation from 1999 to 2006 in Sierra Leone. Pakistan played a pivotal part in UNAMSIL by deploying troops to aid in the restoration of peace and stability during Sierra Leone’s civil conflict. The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) was a peacekeeping operation in Liberia from 2003 until 2018.Pakistani peacekeepers were members of the UNMIL which aimed to establish stability in Liberia following a prolonged period of civil violence. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has been active in the DRC since 1999 and continues to operate.
Pakistan has actively participated in MONUSCO, deploying military personnel to address the issues of war and insecurity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Islamic viewpoint on peace underscores the values of concord, equity and benevolence, promoting individuals’ peaceful cohabitation and settlement of disputes through non-aggressive methods. The Pakistan Army has substantially contributed by actively engaging in peacekeeping missions, thereby enhancing global peace efforts and promoting stability. The Pakistan Army has exhibited its dedication to maintaining peace, justice and humanitarian aid through its past participation in peacekeeping missions. This commitment aligns with its Islamic values and international obligations.
—The writer is a PhD in Islamic thought and culture from NUML Islamabad and the author of five books and forty research publications.
Email: [email protected]
views expressed are writer’s own.
