Spirit of Peace: Photo Exhibition

[Arsalan]

Prime Minister Gilani inaugurates photo exhibition Spirit of Peace

Rawalpindi: A photo exhibition “Sprit of Peace” to commemorate 50 years of Pakistan’s contribution to UN peacekeeping mission is being organized at Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA), Islamabad. The exhibition will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on 28 July 2011 and will remain open for general public from 29-31 July 2011.

The inauguration ceremony will also be attended by representatives of Armed Forces, Civil Armed Force, Police, Diplomats, ex Pakistani officials of senior appointments in UN Peacekeeping Missions besides UN officials, media personnel, injured soldiers, next of kin of UN Shuhada and youth from Balochistan and FATA. United Nations Peacekeeping Department is sending a special representative from New York to attend the exhibition. Pakistan permanent Envoy to United Nations Mr Abdullah Hussain Haroon will also be present on the occasion.

A similar kind of photo exhibition was arranged by Pakistan Mission to the UN at UN Headquarters, New York in April this year. The UN Secretary General Mr. Bani-Ki-moon, Chief Guest on the occasion, greatly appreciated Pakistan’s significant contributions to UN Peacekeeping Missions across the world, adding that this had brought credibility to the world body.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan has been at the forefront of United Nations efforts to maintain international peace and security by contributing significantly to UN Peacekeeping. Pakistan has hitherto participated in 41 UN Peacekeeping Missions and has been part of some of the most challenging international conflicts. Since 2006 Pakistan remains the largest troop contributing country with over 10,623 personnel presently deployed in eight peacekeeping missions.

This constitutes approximately 11% of the total UN peacekeeping deployment. Till to date, 126 Pakistani peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives out of over 130,000 soldiers deployed so far for the noble cause of helping humanity, building peace and bringing stability across the regions under the banner of United Nations with almost an equal number of Pakistani peacekeepers wounded over five decades during peacekeeping assignments. Pakistan Army understands the cost of peace and is always prepared for any sacrifice for the sake of national as well as international peace and security.

Prime Minister Gilani inaugurates photo exhibition Spirit of Peace - AsiaNet Pakistan

 

[Rafi]

Well done to our brave men at arms.

 

[Arsalan]

well, these are the brave men who stands in harms way just to bring good name to our country.

despite all these sacrifices for world peace and being in the leading role in war on terror, world accuse us to be extremists and also points figure at army that they support terrorism!

regards!

 

[Arsalan]

Pakistan rejects efforts to establish regional hegemony: Gilani

ISLAMABAD, Jul 28 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani here on Thursday said Pakistan rejects efforts to stablish regional hegemony by any state. He was speaking at a function here after inaugurating a photo exhibition ‘Spirit of Peace’ to mark Pakistan’s 50 years contribution to the United Nations Peacekeeping Missions. Federal Minister for Defence Ahmed Mukhtar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, Chief of Army Staff Ashfaq Parvez Kayani attended the function. Gilani said the occasion commemorates Pakistan’s selfless and valued role in the maintenance of peace and stability for over half a century under the banner of the United Nations.
He said the history of the UN is replete with successful efforts to address the challenges posed to peace and security around the globe.
Pakistan has also substantially contributed to peacekeeping efforts by responding to humanitarian crises caused by international conflicts and natural calamities, he said.
Gilani said it is his firm belief that United Nations continues to remain relevant as well as indispensable to address emerging threats to international peace and security.
He said Pakistan’s participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping missions stems from its commitment to serve humanity, international peace and collective security.
“We consider peacekeeping as the flagship activity of the United Nations, providing the basis on which the UN can build peace and stability in countries affected by conflict.”
“We are proud to have, as a matter of policy, partnered with the UN for over half a century to achieve the collective objective of peace and security. In doing so, we have contributed 136,000 peace keepers since our first mission in Congo in 1960,” he added.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan’s commitment and resolve to world peace and security remains unwavering.
“The practical reflection of which is our current contribution of over 10,500 personnel in eight most demanding UN peacekeeping missions across the globe. The road to peace is
often paved with various perils and sacrifices including the possibility of combat.”
Gilani reminded that Pakistani troops often saw combat in difficult conditions for enforcement of the UN charter.
“Over the years, we have suffered 240 causalities, 126 of whom made the supreme sacrifice of rendering their lives for the cause of peace and welfare of humanity. These sons of the soils, who got martyred in the line of duty, chronicled a glorious chapter of sacrifice in the UN’s history and made their country proud. We are privileged to have the families of some of those Shaheeds with us today.”
He said no one knows the value of peace more than the Pakistani nation, which has been hit hard by militancy and acts of terrorism for the last several years.
“Our people have rendered immense sacrifices. We lost the precious lives of 35,000 including 5000 security personnel and incurred a damage of billions of dollars to the national economy as a result of our participation in the war on terror.”
The Prime Minister said Pakistani people face acts of terrorism on a daily basis and its huge effect on the impressionable youth who are exposed to incidents of terror.
Fighting militancy and terrorism is a collective responsibility of the civilized world, he said adding it calls for the adoption of ‘partnership approach’.
He observed that the unending blame game and singling out Pakistan and Muslim community in this regard would not advance the shared goal of eliminating terrorism.
“The extremist tendencies have transcended cultures and religions. This calls for concerted efforts for creating interfaith harmony and dialogue for the establishment of moderate and tolerant world,” he added.

Prime Minister Gilani said there is a need to align the anti terror strategies of member states with the broad objectives to achieve results.
“We also expect our allies to be more sensitive to our sensibilities. An international anti terror strategy structured on consensus and accommodation of each other’s faith and views needs to be worked out,” he observed.
He said he sees a central role for the United Nations to spearhead global effort against the scourges of terrorism and extremism.
“The UN must use its offices to achieve a fresh consensus on broad contours of this anti terror policy. The UN must also spell out a strategy to address the rightful grievances of people.”
He said the goal of international peacekeeping would not be fully met unless socio economic aspects of the conflicts are not catered to.
Pakistan fully supports efforts for the early conclusion of the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism and comprehensive counter terrorism strategy, he added.
Gilani said, “We believe that comprehensive counter terrorism strategy should address the root causes of terrorism and include steps for building states’ capacity to counter terrorism through international cooperation.”
It is also important to maintain a distinction between acts of terrorism and freedom struggles, he added.
He said the reform of Security Council is a matter of fundamental interest and importance for all the member states.
Pakistan supports the democratisation of the UN system to make representation at the UNSC equitable, he said adding there are deep differences regarding the expansion of the council and the ambitions of some states to become permanent members.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan has a longstanding principled position against increase of permanent members.
The Uniting for Consensus’ proposal, of which Pakistan is a member, offers the best basis for a solution that can accommodate the interests of all member states, he said adding this is possible to achieve through patient and serious negotiations aimed at creating consensus.
Gilani pointed out that any reform of the UNSC must reflect a greater role of the regions in determining their representation on the Council and accommodation of the interests of all states and groupings through rotation and re election.
He said despite heavy sacrifices and all odds, the resilience of the nation and courage of the soldiers is intact to fight off the menace of terrorism and extremism as doing so is a matter of survival.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to United Nations Abdullah Hussain Haroon said Pakistan will stand by the objectives of the UN.
Pakistan will continue to make contribution to peacekeeping missions, he added.
Sharing his experience, Maj Gen. (Retd), Sikandar Afzal who has been Force Commander of UN Peacekeeping Force in Liberia during 2009 and 2010 said that Pakistan has been at the forefront of United Nations efforts to maintain international peace and security by contributing significantly to UN Peacekeeping.
He said that Pakistan participated in 41 UN Peacekeeping Missions and has been part of some of the most challenging international conflicts.
Since 2006, Pakistan remained the largest troop contributing country with over 10,623 personnel presently deployed in eight peacekeeping missions.
This constitutes approximately 10% of the total UN peacekeeping deployment. Maj Gen (Retd), Sikandar Afzal said that till to date, 126 Pakistani peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives out of over 130,000 soldiers deployed so far for the noble cause of helping humanity, building peace and bringing stability across the regions under the banner of United Nations.
He said an equal number of Pakistani peacekeepers were wounded over five decades during peacekeeping assignments.
Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated the photo exhibition “Spirit of Peace” organized by Pakistan army.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by representatives of Armed Forces, Civil Armed Force, Police, Diplomats, ex Pakistani officials of senior appointments in UN Peacekeeping Missions besides UN officials, media personnel, injured soldiers, next of kin of UN Shuhada and youth from Balochistan and FATA.
The United Nations Peacekeeping Department also sent a special representative from New York to attend the exhibition.
The exhibition will remain open for general public from July 29 31, 2011.

Associated Press Of Pakistan ( Pakistan's Premier NEWS Agency ) - Pakistan rejects efforts to establish regional hegemony: Gilani

 

[Arsalan]

here are a few moments of Pakistan participation in UN peace keeping missions capture in camera:

there are so many more that posting these here will consume lots of space.
to say the least, Pakistan have always sated at the front line of UN peace keeping mission. we have lost lives for this cause and this iss something that the world must realize today, the world that takes us as terrorists!

hats off to the brave men!

regards!

 

[Arsalan]

here are a few interesting reads for those who want to have an over view of Pakistan's involvement in UN peace keeping missions:

UN peacekeeping missions involving Pakistan covers a long and cherished history of Pakistani involvement with the United Nations. Pakistan joined the United Nations on 30 September, 1947. Since 1960, Pakistan has been actively involved in most of the UN Peacekeeping missions and today stands at the top with 10,175 troops and observers serving in current missions. Some of the major contributions were in Somalia, Sierra Leone, Bosnia, Congo and Liberia.

Peacekeeping, as defined by the United Nations, is a way to help countries torn by conflict create conditions for sustainable peace. UN peacekeepers—soldiers and military officers, civilian police officers and civilian personnel from many countries—monitor and observe peace processes that emerge in post-conflict situations and assist ex-combatants in implementing the peace agreements they have signed. Such assistance comes in many forms, including confidence-building measures, power-sharing arrangements, electoral support, strengthening the rule of law, and economic and social development. All operations must include the resolution of conflicts through the use of force to be considered valid under the charter of the United Nations.
Congo (August 1960 to May 1964)
During the operation Pakistan provided logistic support during movement of troops to and from Congo and inland movement to the United Nation troops. Pakistan Army Supply Corps (ASC) organized the whole operation in a meticulous manner. It continued uninterrupted from 1960 to 1964 with four Independent Army Supply Corps companies, each consisting of about 100 personnel. The movement control entailed move through sea, air, rail, river and road transport. A systematic organization was created to ensure foolproof administrative arrangements for transportation of troops, weapons, equipment, stores and rations throughout Congo in unfriendly environments. Pakistani troops thus performed the assigned task with professional skill and devotion which earned them applause across the world.
West New Guinea (October 1962 - April 1963)
In the circumstances, when the world was focusing its eyes on the United Nations Security Force, the Pakistani composite force comprising 14 Punjab Regiment, two companies of 18 Punjab Regiment and supporting elements, disembarked on the coast of Sorong after completing 6000 miles sea voyage on 8 October 1962.
The Battalion Headquarters were positioned at Biak. Pakistani troops effectively prevented skirmishes between Papuans and Indonesian troops. On one such occasion Pakistani troops rushed swiftly to Kaimana area on 14 January 1963, to avoid a bloody conflict and brought the situation under control
he performance of Pakistani troops was admired by President Soekarno who said, "It was because of Pakistani troops that Indonesia and Pakistan came so close together, they were Pakistan’s best ambassadors." In a rare acknowledgment of good job done the Chinese Premier Chou-En-Lai remarked, "The only example in United Nation’s history, when a United Nation military force had gone in, performed its role honestly and came out, was Pakistan’s military contingent to Indonesia"

Namibia (April 1989 to March 1990)

Kuwait (December 1991 to October 1993)
Pakistan, with its long tradition and considerable experience of assisting friendly nations in need of international help, offered its services for the reclamation of the devastated land. Finally the job was separately entrusted to Pakistan and six other countries. Pakistan was assigned the most difficult area in the north of Kuwait city. It was spread over 3000 square kilometers. Subsequently reclamation of Bubiyan Island also was entrusted to Pakistan.

Haiti (1993 to 1996)
United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH), during the 1991 coup and military rule in Haiti on the request of the United Nations, Pakistan provided one Infantry battalion to form part of UNMIH. This battalion, PAKBAT, arrived in Haiti in March 1995 and was deployed in Cape Haitien. At that time this area faced extremely volatile security situation and was also reputed to be the hotbed of political restlessness. In order to improve the security situation, PAKBAT started to discharge its responsibilities with an extensive patrolling program covering north, northeast and central regions.
For humanitarian assistance, food distribution among impoverished people of Haiti was one program. While much of the food was supplied by NGOs, PAKBAT troops even distributed their own quota of rations to hard pressed population, hence earned good-will.
Mr Enerique ter Horst, United Nations Secretary General’s Special Representative in Haiti while appreciating the services of Pakistani troops said, "since the arrival of Pakistan Battalion in Haiti the United Nations has realized that Pakistan Army is not only a formidable fighting force but peace keepers and peace builders in the best sense of the word. The way in which they have participated in the reconstruction and humanitarian assistance program beyond the call of duty to ensue stable environment, makes me confident that United Nations shall very soon attain the objectives of its mission in Haiti."

On the occasion of Pakistan Independence Day; the President of Haiti expressed gratitude of the Haitien people for services rendered by Pakistani troops for the restoration of democracy in Haiti. He said, "I express my deep appreciation and gratitude to the people of Pakistan, the Pakistan Army and its valiant soldiers for their manifestations filled with utmost sincerity, friendship and solidarity."


Cambodia (March 1992 to November 1993)
he Pakistani troops carried out peacekeeping operations in the most difficult and remote regions during the period May 92 - August 93. They overcame enormous logistic and operational problems and, displaying their characteristic courage and determination, defended themselves and those for whom they were responsible. Undaunted by the odds, they handled crisis after crisis and persuaded the warring factions to lay down their arms.

In the words of the Force Commander UNTAC, Lieutenant General J.M. Sanderson, "the Pakistani contingent showed professionalism, patience, determination and compassion, which indeed are the hallmark of an effective peace-keeping force".

Bosnia (March 1992 to February 1996)
United Nations Protection Forces in Bosnia (UNPROFOR), recognizing the commendable performance of the Pakistan Army Contingents as United Nations peacekeepers in Somalia and Cambodia, the United Nations requested the Government of Pakistan to contribute troops to the United Nations Protection Force in Bosnia-Herzegovina. A 3000 strong contingent consisting of two Battalion Groups and a National Support (NS) Headquarters left for Bosnia and Croatia in May 1994.

The two battalion groups PAKBAT 1 and PAKBAT 2 were deployed in the towns of Dares and Durdevik (near the city of Tuzla) in Bosnia while the National Support Headquarters remained based at Split, Croatia. They were tasked to stabilize the military situation with a view to encouraging return of normalcy, improving freedom of movement by maintaining existing routes, providing protection and supporting various United Nations agencies and NGOs engaged in their relief activities and coordinate humanitarian assistance. The PAKBATs performed their military duties with total commitment. Two officers, one junior commissioned officer and three non commissioned officers laid down their lives for the noble cause of bringing peace to a war ravaged territory. Their sacrifices were duly acknowledged by United Nations Force Commander and the local population.

Pakistani Peace Keepers who were the first to respond and assist over 50,000 refugees who came over after the Serbs had over-run the United Nations declared Safe Heavens of Srebrenica and Zepa in July 95. As it was an event which had not been foreseen by the Bosnian government and the United Nations authorities, it was the Pakistani Peace Keepers who bore the brunt of the crisis for 36 hours single handedly. Food, clothing, medical treatment and shelter to these war-ravaged people was provided by the PAKBAT from their own resources before help arrived. Even after the arrival of assistance, it were the Pakistani troops who managed and coordinated the relief activities. It was duly acknowledged in an impressive ceremony organized by Tuzia Red Cross to award certificates of merit to all those who contributed in relief operations.
the Pakistani contingent lost 6 lives in this mission.

Somalia (March 1992 to February 1996)
one of the most difficult peace keeping mission for Pakistan army. we lost 39 lives in this. a total of arounf 7200 military men served in this operation.
United Nations Operation in Somalia I (UNISOM I), during the Somali Civil War, Pakistan was the first country to respond to the call of the United Nations. On 14 September 1992 five hundred Pakistani troops arrived in Mogadishu to launch the United Nation humanitarian campaign. Deployment of the security force was preceded by the arrival of an advance party of 50 United Nation observers, drawn from different countries, led by a Pakistani Brigadier
The Pakistani troops were asked by the United Nation Force Headquarters to carry out an inspection of the weapon storage sites of Farah Aideed, to whom the date and time of inspection had been communicated in advance. Nobody at the United Nation Force Headquarters was able to foresee his reaction and his power to arouse the feelings of his followers against those who were carrying out the inspection. Even as their colleagues were engaged in distributing food at one of the feeding points, the Pakistani inspectors were ambushed by Aideeds followers. The ambushers were using children and women as human shields to prevent being fired back while the road-blocks they had set up made Pakistanis withdrawal difficult. Though taken by surprise and totally exposed, the Pakistanis fought their way back, avoiding civilian casualties. In the process twenty-three Pakistanis were killed and sixty-seven sustained injuries. The Olympic Hotel Incident of 3 October 1993 took place during one of these operations when 75 US Rangers who were attempting an arrest on high level members of Mohammad Farrah Aideed's militia became stranded. The grim battle lasted eight hours. The US Rangers suffered 17 dead and 77 injured while one U.S. Army pilot was captured by Aideed forces. The U.S. 10th Mountain Infantry Division, along with Pakistani troops, was mobilized and sent in to the hot zone to aid the U.S. Rangers in their exfiltration. The exfiltration was a success and the wounded were admitted to the Pakistani hospital at Soccer Stadium. (See BLACK HAWK DOWN)
Major General Thomas M. Montgomery, Deputy Commander of the United Nations Forces in Somalia in a television interview said, "Many of the soldiers are alive today because of the willingness and skill of the Pakistani soldiers who worked jointly in a rescue operation with Malaysian and American soldiers in most difficult and dangerous combat circumstances." He thanked the people and Pakistan Army for sending, "such splendid soldiers to Somalia who we feel proud to serve with. Pakistani soldiers have been completely dependable even in the most difficult circumstances. They have shouldered a huge and dangerous load for UNOSOM and the Somali people."

Rwanda (October 1993 – March 1996)

Angola (February 1995 to June 1997)

Eastern Slavonia (May 1996 – August 1997)

Sierra Leone (October 1999 to December 2005)

at the moment around 10000 troops are serving in different parts of the world as UN peace Keeper.

Pakistan's role for world peace
http://ipripak.org/factfiles/ff70.pdf

regards!

 

[Burger Boy]

Can anyone find me that picture of some African school kids holding up a picture of Jinnah....I think it was because they were appreciating the Pakistanis UN forces there. ....I don't remember which country it was in though.....

 

[Arsalan]

Short documentary on the topic:

enjoy!

 

[Arsalan]

Can anyone find me that picture of some African school kids holding up a picture of Jinnah....I think it was because they were appreciating the Pakistanis UN forces there. ....I don't remember which country it was in though.....

talking about this one:

it is Congo! the Pakistan contingent to Congo on UN peace keeping mission run a school commonly know as "Jinnah School".
the children of the school honor Pakistan annually to show there love for the Pakistani troops.

Congo’s Children With Pakistan’s Founder
Jinnah Public School is commonly known as the Jinnah School in this central African country. The Congolese students honor Pakistan once every year at the annual function by reciting the Pakistani national anthem. Some 4000 Pakistani civilians and soldiers are helping Congo-Kinshasa stand on its feet.

KINSHASA, Congo—I am serving with the UN mission in Democratic Republic of Congo. The contribution of Pakistani civilians and military in this country under the UN has earned a lot of respect for Pakistan. I have attached a recent photograph of JINNAH PUBLIC SCHOOL here in Bukavu which is the capital city of South Kivu Province. The school is named after the leader of the Pakistan Independence Movement, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

The school was established by Pakistan Army officers and soldiers as a gift to the people of Congo.

Pakistani Blue Helmets in Congo are earning respect and honor for Pakistan through service to humanity.

The effort is acknowledged by the people of this war-torn country in Central Africa.

The school is more commonly known here as the Jinnah School.

The students here sing the Pakistani national anthem every year during their annual function at Jinnah School. When I saw this scene for the first time, I had tears in my eyes.

More than 4000 Pakistani civilians and soldiers are serving in DR Congo under United Nations. One of the main missions of the Pakistani contingent is WHAMS, Winning of the Hearts And Minds through activities like the Jinnah School.

We all are grateful for the nation’s support and that of Pakistanis like you at this forum.

Congo

hope this helps!

regards!

 

[Fearless Warrior]

 

[Fearless Warrior]

 

[Fearless Warrior]

 

[Fearless Warrior]

 

[Fearless Warrior]

 

[Thorough Pro]

Excellent work Pak Defence Forces.