Pakistan Warns UN Funding Crisis Threatens Peacekeeping

NEW YORK – Pakistan has warned that the United Nations liquidity crisis is undermining peacekeeping operations worldwide. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, said reduced funding limits patrols, mobility, and field presence. He noted this threatens mandate delivery, protection of civilians, deterrence against violence, and peacekeepers’ safety. The ambassador spoke at the opening of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C34). Officials emphasized the urgent need for collective reflection and action to address these challenges.

Recalling Pakistan’s long-standing contributions, Ambassador Asim highlighted the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). Pakistan has contributed over 250,000 troops in 48 missions across four continents. He paid tribute to 182 Pakistani peacekeepers who made the ultimate sacrifice under the UN flag. The ambassador stressed that Pakistan has been among the largest and longest-serving troop contributors for more than six decades. He called UN peacekeeping indispensable for maintaining international peace and security.

He noted that several missions have drawn down, and no new UN missions have been created for over a decade. Rising global instability and the highest conflict levels since World War II increase the demand for peacekeeping. Ambassador Asim said non-UN or ad-hoc missions are replacing UN operations, reflecting continued global need. He stressed that the challenge is not relevance, but collective political will and resolve.

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The ambassador outlined the UN peacekeeping’s strengths, including legitimacy, universal participation, predictable financing, and established command, logistics, and accountability systems. However, he warned that predictable financing has eroded, forcing contingency measures that reduce troop and civilian deployment. He urged Security Council mandates to be backed by adequate resources. Ambassador Asim called for a structured review of the financial architecture to ensure sustainable, predictable funding aligned with missions.

Finally, he emphasized the need for reform to make peacekeeping more agile and focused. Technology, stronger partnerships, and better equipment are essential. Protection of civilians, deterrence, and ceasefire monitoring remain foundational tasks. He cautioned that lack of political progress should not justify mission withdrawals. Ambassador Asim concluded that without funding and strategic clarity, troop readiness and specialized deployments could also be affected.