Pakistan, recognized as one of the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions worldwide, has raised serious concerns about the escalating risks confronting peacekeepers due to advancements in technology. The country has emphasized the urgent necessity for the international community to adopt more effective and adaptive measures to ensure the safety of these personnel, who operate in some of the most volatile and hostile environments on the planet.
During a recent high-profile event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, delivered a compelling address on the evolving nature of threats faced by the so-called “blue helmets.” He highlighted how emerging technologies, particularly unmanned aerial systems such as drones, are dramatically altering the security landscape for peacekeepers. These new tools are increasingly being exploited by hostile groups, making peacekeeping operations more dangerous and complex than ever before.
Ambassador Ahmad pointed out that peacekeeping missions today are characterized by heightened fluidity and lethality, requiring responses that are not only coherent but also collective and adaptive. He stressed that the safety and security of peacekeepers must be viewed through a human lens, given the immense challenges these men and women face daily. Pakistan’s own sacrifices in peacekeeping efforts are significant, with 182 of its personnel having lost their lives while serving under the UN flag, underscoring the gravity of the risks involved.
Furthermore, the ambassador drew attention to the troubling trend of increasing attacks on peacekeepers in various conflict zones, including South Sudan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and UNIFIL missions along the Lebanon-Israel border. Despite these growing threats, the resources and operational footprints of many UN missions are shrinking, a dangerous combination that leaves peacekeepers more vulnerable to attacks. He warned that reduced capacities embolden hostile actors, who are quick to exploit any perceived weaknesses.
One particularly alarming incident cited by Ambassador Ahmad was the recent drone strike in Kadugli, which tragically resulted in the deaths of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers. This attack starkly illustrates how non-state actors are increasingly leveraging advanced technologies to target peacekeepers. The difficulty in identifying those responsible for such attacks further complicates efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, weakening deterrence and undermining the overall security framework protecting peacekeepers.
In response to these challenges, Pakistan advocates for a dual approach that recognizes emerging technologies as both a threat and a potential solution. Ambassador Ahmad emphasized the critical importance of integrating counter-unmanned aircraft systems (Counter-UAS), enhanced early-warning mechanisms, improved surveillance capabilities, and data-driven threat analysis into peacekeeping operations. These technological tools are no longer optional but essential components of any effective force protection strategy.
Concluding his remarks, the Pakistani envoy underscored a fundamental principle: mandates given to peacekeeping missions must be supported by adequate capabilities and resources to ensure the safety of personnel on the ground. He reiterated the vital role of accountability in addressing attacks against peacekeepers, calling for collective international efforts to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice. Only through such comprehensive and coordinated actions can the international community hope to safeguard the brave individuals who risk their lives to maintain peace and security worldwide.
