Pakistan stands as second largest troop-contributing country in UN peacekeeping

Islamabad, June 3 (Xinhua-ANI): As the world has just celebrated the International Day of United Nations peacekeepers on May 29, the Pakistani military said Sunday that Pakistan stands as the second largest troop-contributing country in UN peacekeeping.

Bangladesh stands top in UN peacekeeping and India has secured the third place after Pakistan.

Pakistan's journey with UN peacekeeping operations began in 1960 when it deployed its first ever contingent in UN operations in Congo.

Over the past 52 years, Pakistan has been the most significant and consistent contributor for UN peacekeeping around the world.

Pakistan has hitherto participated in 41 UN peacekeeping missions including some of the most challenging missions, an army statement said.

Pakistan has so far contributed 142,452 troops in the UN missions across the world. Up till now 128 Pakistani peacekeepers, 10.24 percent of the UN total fatalities, have scarified their lives in the noble cause of helping humanity, building peace and bringing stability across the regions under the banner of UN.

Since 2006 Pakistan, has been the largest troop-contributing country.

Pakistan is the second largest contributor with present deployment of 9,461 peacekeepers in seven different UN missions and is currently contributing 9.71 percent of the total UN peacekeepers strength.

Numerous world leaders and the UN leadership have acknowledged the performance of Pakistani peacekeepers worldwide. An undisputed professional standing of Pakistan peacekeepers has also made the passion of every Special Representative of Secretary General and Force Commander in each of UN peacekeeping mission.

Since 1948 there have been 64 UN peacekeeping operations. Close to 130 nations have contributed personnel at various times, and 114 are currently providing uniformed peacekeepers, the UN says.

As of 31 March 2011, there were 15 peacekeeping operations under way with a total of 122,843 personnel. Of the 19,388 civilians serving, 13,697 are local. Total fatalities among the peacekeepers stand at 2,856. (Xinhua-ANI)