Pakistan Advocates for UN Police Role in Peacekeeping Transition
Highlighting the United Nations Police as a key pillar of global peacekeeping, Pakistan has called for incorporating their perspectives in the UN’s core efforts to help conflict-affected nations transition to peace.
“The insights of UN Police are instrumental in enhancing peacekeeping operations,” stated Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, during a UN Security Council meeting focused on supporting countries emerging from conflict.
He stressed the importance of including UN Police perspectives in decision-making processes related to peacekeeping, particularly in mission planning and resource allocation.
Need for Clear Mandates and Technological Integration
Ambassador Akram emphasized the necessity of defining realistic mandates to ensure the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions.
“In scenarios where rapid deployment of Formed Police Units (FPUs) is required instead of military forces, clear and achievable mandates must guide the deployment, backed by sufficient resources,” he asserted.
He also highlighted the evolving nature of policing in peacekeeping operations, which must address complex threats such as organized crime, human trafficking, terrorism, and the misuse of technology. To enhance UN Police capabilities, he underscored the need for integrating advanced technology into their operations.
“The UN Police should receive comprehensive training and capacity building, incorporating technological advancements like Generative Artificial Intelligence, virtual reality (VR), drones, surveillance tools, and data analytics,” he added.
Strengthening Local Law Enforcement
The Pakistani envoy further stressed the importance of rebuilding and strengthening local law enforcement institutions in post-conflict settings to ensure long-term stability.
As a long-standing contributor to UN peacekeeping, Pakistan has deployed 50 FPUs in missions across Haiti, Darfur, East Timor, and Ivory Coast. Acknowledging Pakistan’s commitment to global peace, Ambassador Akram noted that 11 Pakistani police personnel have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
He also highlighted the readiness of a Pakistani FPU under the Rapid Deployment Level (RDL), reflecting the country’s preparedness for international peacekeeping responsibilities.
Pakistani police officers have earned global recognition for their professionalism and dedication under the UN Police (UNPOL) framework. Ambassador Akram pointed out that Police Advisor Faisal Shahkar represented Pakistan at the highest level, while Shahzadi Gulfam became the first recipient of the International Female Police Peacekeeper Award in 2011, demonstrating Pakistan’s continued commitment to international peace and security.
