Pakistan urges UN police’s role in transition to peace

Describing the United Nations police as a cornerstone of global peacekeeping, Pakistan has called for the inclusion of their perspectives in UN’s flagship activity that helps countries in conflict transition to peace.

“Their (UN Police) insights make a critical difference in improving peacekeeping operations,” Ambassador Munir Akram, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told UN Security Council which met to discuss UN support to conflict-affected countries.

“It is crucial that perspectives of the UN Police be included in decision-making on peacekeeping missions, including mission planning and resourcing.”

Ambassador Akram also underscored the need for realistic mandates to ensure the success of peacekeeping operations.

“In the situations, where a rapid deployment of Formed Police Units, instead of military, is necessary, the deployment should be based on clear and achievable mandates and supported by adequate resources,” he said.

The Pakistani envoy 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. In this regard, he emphasized 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 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.

As a longstanding contributor, he said Pakistan has deployed 50 Formed Police Units (FPUs) in UN peace operations across Haiti, Darfur, East Timor, and Ivory Coast.

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

Ambassador Akram said that 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.