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Rawalpindi, August 13, 2013 (PPI-OT):
Honourable Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki-Moon,
Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Mr Sartaj Aziz,
Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Mr Zahid Hamid,
Chairman Higher Education Commission, Dr Javed Laghari,
Ambassador Masood Khan,
Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a matter of great pleasure for me to be addressing this distinguished gathering on this historic day. As the Chairman Board of Governors of this esteemed University, it is also a personal privilege to welcome the Secretary General to this great seat of learning. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Secretary General for being with us today.
This is a historic day for the community of Pakistani Peacekeepers who have distinguished themselves in contributing towards global peace and security. Since its inception, Pakistan has played a significant role as a responsible member of the international community to help realize the ideals of global peace. Despite Pakistan Army’s numerous commitments, we have always responded to the UN peacekeeping requirements. I assure the Secretary General that we will always remain committed to this cause.
The raising of this institute will help us improve the training standards of Pakistani peacekeepers. The intellectual prowesses of our peacekeeping community also stand to gain, therefore, enabling us to perform in a more wholesome manner.
We also look forward to contributing to the international peacekeeping by hosting various training activities and courses. The institute has already applied for membership of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centres and looks forwards to be an active member of the Association.
Peace and stability in any region of the world contributes towards overall global security. In today’s connected world, instability in any part of the world has the germs to transcend borders. United Nations peacekeeping operations have been and remain one of the best ways to maintain stability across the globe. These operations are unique in many ways. They have been able to help build capacities of the host Nations, heal the wounds and schisms of conflict and bring the international community together.
As the Global community moves towards ideals of personal independence, rule of law and human dignity; peacekeeping operations are also evolving to meet the new challenges. It is important that future peacekeepers train for a multitude of tasks in an ever challenging environment.
We in Pakistan, take pride in our peacekeeping commitments to UN. We always provide the best to UN. Pakistani Peacekeepers shall remain, as they always have been, a dependable partner of UN. We remain committed to achieve the ideals of collective security and human prosperity.
We look forward to making this institute a centre of excellence. Besides studying operational aspects of conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peace-building, this institution will also help in quality research on issues faced by the Global community in realm of peace and stability. To achieve this objective, we shall look forward to guidance and support of the Secretary General and UN Department of Peacekeeping.
I shall also take this opportunity to thank the countries which have hosted Pakistani Peacekeepers. My gratitude for the support and kindness that we received in your homelands.
Thank You
For more information, contact:
Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR)
Hilal Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Tel: +9251 927 1605
Fax: +9251 927 1601
Email: ispr@ispr.gov.pk