Pakistan has issued a warning that the United Nations is facing a liquidity crisis that is jeopardizing peacekeeping operations. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, highlighted the direct impact of this crisis on peacekeeping activities during the opening of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations.
Ambassador Ahmad emphasized that the UN's liquidity crisis is leading to a reduction in patrols, mobility, and field presence, which in turn is severely affecting the delivery of mandates, protection of civilians, deterrence against violence, and the safety of peacekeepers. He stressed the vital role of UN peacekeeping in maintaining international peace and security, despite facing increasing political, operational, and financial challenges that demand collective action and reflection.
Reflecting on Pakistan's significant contribution to peacekeeping efforts, Ambassador Ahmad noted that Pakistan hosts one of the oldest peacekeeping missions, the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan. He highlighted Pakistan's longstanding commitment as one of the largest and most enduring troop contributors, with over 250,000 Pakistani peacekeepers having served in 48 missions across four continents. He also paid tribute to the 182 Pakistani peacekeeping personnel who have sacrificed their lives while serving under the UN flag.
Ambassador Ahmad expressed concern that a decline in financial support and shrinking missions without clear strategic guidance could impact the readiness of countries contributing troops to UN deployments, including standby arrangements, rapid deployment capabilities, and specialized units. He underscored the need for reform to make peacekeeping operations more agile, focused, and equipped to address evolving threats through technology and stronger partnerships.
The Ambassador reiterated that protecting civilians, deterring violations, and monitoring ceasefires are essential peacekeeping tasks that should not be compromised, even in the absence of political progress. He emphasized that withdrawing missions under the pretext of political stagnation could have detrimental consequences and called for a more strategic approach to peacekeeping operations.
