UN liquidity crisis undermining neace missions worldwide, warns Pakistan

Sun, February 22, 2026

Pakistan’s UN envoy, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, warned that a worsening UN liquidity crisis is directly weakening peacekeeping operations, echoing stark warnings from Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres.

Earlier this month, Guterres said the world body could face “imminent financial collapse” unless member states pay their dues in full and on time or overhaul budget rules that force the UN to return unspent funds even when it lacks cash.

By the end of 2025, the UN posted a record $1.57 billion in unpaid dues, a shortfall that threatens programme delivery and peace operations globally.

Ambassador Iftikhar, speaking at the opening of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, warned that the financial shortfall was affecting mandate delivery, protection of civilians, deterrence against violence, and the safety of peacekeepers.

"The UN peacekeeping remains an indispensable instrument for maintaining international peace and security, but is facing growing political, operational and financial pressures that require collective action," the ambassador said.

Recalling Pakistan’s contribution, the ambassador said, "The country hosts one of the oldest UN peacekeeping missions, the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, and has been among the largest and longest-serving troop contributors for more than six decades."

Paying tribute to 182 Pakistani peacekeepers who lost their lives under the UN flag, he said over 250,000 Pakistani peacekeepers had served in 48 missions across four continents.

The envoy cautioned that declining financial commitments and shrinking missions without a clear strategic direction could affect the readiness of troop-contributing countries, including standby arrangements, rapid deployment capabilities and specialised units.

Calling reform necessary, he said peacekeeping must become more agile, focused and better equipped to address evolving threats, including through technology and stronger partnerships.

He stressed that protection of civilians, deterrence against violations, and ceasefire monitoring and verification remain core tasks, adding that lack of political progress should not be used as a pretext to withdraw missions.

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