UN Liquidity Crisis Weakening Peacekeeping Efforts in Pakistan

The United Nations is facing an unprecedented challenge as Pakistan warns that its financial crisis jeopardizes crucial peacekeeping operations. The warning comes at a critical juncture when the world body’s viability hangs in the balance—reports suggest it could run out of cash by July if member states do not address their unpaid dues.

Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad stressed during the opening session of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations that while UN peacekeeping remains an indispensable tool for global security, “it is now facing mounting pressures. These include political challenges, operational demands, and financial constraints.”

Ahmad highlighted that cash shortages are directly affecting the ability to deliver mandates, deter violence, and maintain effective missions. He underscored the need for collective reflection and action, emphasizing that peacekeeping remains vital but under considerable threat.

The warning was delivered in a context of escalating concern over UN finances. In late January, The New York Times reported that the UN is on the brink of an “imminent financial collapse,” with US unpaid dues to its regular budget exceeding $2.2 billion—a figure that now includes President Trump’s recent contribution of $160 million.

Despite these efforts, Pakistan’s envoy warned that predictable financing has become a major obstacle for UN peacekeeping. Ambassador Ahmad expressed deep concern over the necessity of reducing both uniformed and civilian personnel in response to financial pressures, indicating that contingency measures are forcing significant adjustments across all missions.

Stressing the need for “predictable and commensurate resources,” he called for a thorough review of the financial architecture underpinning UN peacekeeping. He asserted that this should ensure funding aligned with mandated tasks, thus securing sustainability and effectiveness.

Ahmad’s remarks were grounded in the loss of 182 Pakistani peacekeepers who had lost their lives while serving under the UN flag. Despite several missions having transitioned or been scaled back over recent years due to global instability, no new UN peacekeeping operation has been established since World War II.

The envoy also highlighted that reliance on non-UN and ad hoc arrangements is growing in response to persistent demand for peacekeeping services. This underscores the central challenge: maintaining a collective political will and resolve required to support such missions effectively.

Ambassador Ahmad cautioned that if financial commitments continue to falter, coupled with mission reductions without strategic direction, troop-contributing countries could face challenges in sustaining their forces earmarked for UN deployment—potentially impacting standby arrangements, rapid-deployment capabilities, and specialized units.