Pakistan one of most reliable contributors to UN peacekeeping: Ban Ki Moon

United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) Ban Ki Moon has said that Pakistan is one of the most consistent and reliable contributors to UN peacekeeping.

"I am honoured to join you in marking Pakistani Peacekeepers' Day. Since its first deployment to the Congo in 1960, Pakistan has been one of the most consistent and reliable contributors to United Nations peacekeeping," the Foreign Affairs,

Government of Pakistan quoted Ban Ki Moon as saying in a statement.

Speaking at the Pakistani Peacekeepers' Day yesterday, Ban Ki Moon highlighted about the country's peacekeepers.

"Through the decades, Pakistan has deployed more than 150,000 personnel to 41 peacekeeping missions in 23 countries. Today, more than 7,000 uniformed personnel from Pakistan are serving in seven peacekeeping missions, making it our third largest troop- and police-contributor," he said.

The UNSG said that deployment of Pakistani personnel at various places has significantly improved political and security situation in those areas.

"In places like Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia, Pakistani units were instrumental in the much improved political and security situation that the people of these countries enjoy today. Pakistanis have also been actively engaged in New York to enhance peacekeeping performance - starting with our Military Adviser Lieutenant General Maqsood Ahmed," he added.

He also paid tribute Allama Iqbal, the national poet, saying, "The great Pakistani poet-philosopher Allama Iqbal once reminded us that the ultimate aim. is not to see something but to be something."

Thanking Pakistan's contribution to International Peace and Security, he said that United Nations is looking forward for its continuing contribution.