5th June is observed as Pakistani Peacekeepers Day and it marks an important event to pay homage to Pakistani martyrs who made supreme sacrifices for the noble cause of international peace and security.

The day is being observed in the honour of our 24 brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives while ensuring safety of the people of Somalia and UN comrades overwhelmed by the rebels in UN Mission Somalia (UNOSOM) on 5th June 1993 (Maximum UN casualties occurred on a single day in "Operation United Shield"). Till now, 145 Pakistani troops including 23 Officers have sacrificed their lives under UN Umbrella in different Missions all over the World.

To commemorate sacrifices by Pakistan's Peacekeepers in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, a seminar and photo exhibition was organised at Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS), National University of Science and Technology (NUST). Ms Tasnim Aslam, Additional Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the chief guest along with diplomats, academia, former force commanders, blue berets, officers of Armed forces and students of various universities attended the seminar.

It may be worth mentioning that over past 56 years, Pakistan has contributed more than 1, 60,000 troops till to-date in 41 Missions spread over 23 countries in almost all continents of the World. Pakistan has remained one of the largest Troops Contributing Countries for international peace consistently for many years. Pakistani Nation can feel proud of the men and women of their armed forces who have always been there to protect not only their homeland but are doing their best to keep the Flag of our great country flying high all over the world; as envisioned by the Father of the Nation.

Source: Business Recorder