Pakistan for inclusion of UN police perspectives in peacekeeping

Special Correspondent 

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has stressed the need for including the perspectives of the UN police in decisions about peacekeeping missions, mission planning and resourcing. 

Delivering a national statement on the future of UN policing and peacekeeping operations in the Security Council, which marked the start of the police week, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Munir Akram said such insights are critical in improving the quality of peacekeeping operations. 

He said that policing in peacekeeping operations needs to evolve in a way that is capable of addressing complex, non-traditional threats involving organized crime, human trafficking, terrorism and weaponization of technology. He stressed the need for employing technology to enable the UN police to fulfill its mandate. 

“The UN police must receive adequate training and capacity building and should integrate technology in its operations by using tools such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, virtual reality (VR) tools, drones, surveillance equipment, and data analytics,” he stated. 

The envoy said that there was also the imperative of prioritizing capacity building, institutional development and rebuilding local law enforcement structures of the host government, to ensure sustainable peace and stability, considering the crucial role of the UN Police in the post-conflict transitions. 

A culture of efficiency within the UN police and peacekeeping operations can significantly improve performance and resource management.

Clear mission objectives, streamlined decision-making processes, and effective resource allocation are essential to achieving operational efficiency, he explained. 

Ambassador Akram recalled Pakistan’s vital role in UN peacekeeping missions, and stated that as a longstanding contributor, Pakistan has deployed 50 Formed Police Units (FPUs) in UN peace operations across Haiti, Darfur, East Timor, and Ivory Coast, etc.  

He said that demonstrating unwavering dedication to public service and international peace, 11 Pakistani police personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. He said that the current readiness of a Pakistani FPU on the Rapid Deployment Level (RDL) underscores the country’s preparedness for international peacekeeping efforts.

He said Pakistani police officers are recognized for their professionalism and commitment under the UN Police (UNPOL) banner. He said that Police Advisor Faisal Shahkar represented Pakistan at the highest levels, while Shahzadi Gulfam became the first-ever recipient of the International Female Police Peacekeeper Award in 2011.

He said that Pakistan will host a Peacekeeping Ministerial Preparatory Meeting in April, leading up to the Berlin Ministerial in May. He hoped that the forum will provide member states an opportunity to pledge support for UNPOL, including the deployment of FPUs, individual officers, and advancements in training and technology.