Islamabad, May 29 — UN to Honor Two Pakistani Peacekeepers Posthumously. The United Nations will posthumously honor two brave Pakistani peacekeepers on Thursday at a ceremony held at its headquarters in New York. This event marks the ‘International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers,’ which the UN observes annually on May 29 to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of peacekeeping personnel worldwide.
Specifically, the UN will award the prestigious Dag Hammarskjöld Medal to Sepoy Muhammad Tarique and Havildar Ahsan Ullah Khan, both of whom served with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). By presenting this medal, the UN expresses its deep gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice while serving under the UN flag.
Global Recognition of Sacrifice
Furthermore, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will lead the tribute. He will lay a wreath to honor more than 4,400 UN peacekeepers who have died in service since 1948. In addition, during the ceremony in the Trusteeship Council Chamber, he will award Dag Hammarskjöld Medals to 57 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers who lost their lives in 2024.
This annual commemoration emphasizes the crucial role that peacekeepers play in promoting global peace and stability. Indeed, these individuals often operate in volatile and dangerous regions far from their homelands. Consequently, their sacrifices serve as a powerful reminder of the cost associated with maintaining international security.
Pakistan’s Role in Global Peacekeeping
Moreover, Pakistan consistently ranks among the top contributors to UN peacekeeping missions. Currently, the country deploys more than 2,800 military and police personnel to missions in Abyei, South Sudan, Congo, Cyprus, Somalia, Western Sahara, and the Central African Republic.
Since 1948, when the UN launched its first peacekeeping mission, over two million peacekeepers have participated in 71 operations across the globe. Today, approximately 68,000 military, police, and civilian personnel from 119 countries serve in 11 conflict zones spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
A Lasting Legacy of Service
As the world observes the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, the UN’s recognition of Sepoy Tarique and Havildar Ahsan Ullah Khan reaffirms Pakistan’s strong commitment to international peace efforts. Their courage and dedication exemplify the unwavering spirit of Pakistani peacekeepers, whose service continues to help build a safer and more secure world.
