In a significant move aimed at fostering gender equality and diversity in peacekeeping operations, the United Nations (UN) has laid down a new policy for Pakistan and mandated that a minimum of 25 per cent of female officers and officials must be dispatched for peacekeeping missions.
According to the 24News HD TV channel, the UN's directive came as a response to the growing gender disparity among Pakistani personnel deployed on peacekeeping missions.
Under the newly issued policy, should the requisite percentage of qualified female officers not be available, the corresponding positions are to remain unfilled and these posts would not be fulfilled through the male officers to meet the stipulated quota.
The UN issued a letter to all relevant institutions including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior Affairs, and Police Department and categorically said that male officers and officials will not be accepted on the peacekeeping mission based on the quota of women.
Following the UN policy, Pakistani authorities including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and police department have been directed to ensure adherence to the new UN quota scheme across various zones and provinces.
It is worth mentioning that the UN has announced that this new quota system will remain in force until 2028 and this move underscores the organization's commitment to addressing gender imbalances in peacekeeping missions.