Pakistan's UN Police Adviser Congratulates Indian Major Abhilasha Barak on Prestigious UN Award
In a significant event at the United Nations, Pakistani police officer and UN Police Adviser Faisal Shahkar extended personal congratulations to Indian Army Major Abhilasha Barak following her receipt of the 2025 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.
Major Barak, serving the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, was celebrated for her exceptional work in promoting gender-responsive peacekeeping, community engagement, and empowering women and girls in mission areas. This recognition brings India's contributions to UN peacekeeping efforts into global focus once again.
Faisal Shahkar, a high-ranking Pakistani police official, currently holds the position of United Nations Police Adviser and Director of the Police Division in the UN Department of Peace Operations. Appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in December 2022, Shahkar provides guidance on policing matters, supports police components in peace operations, and engages in global law enforcement and peacekeeping initiatives.
Major Abhilasha Barak's accomplishment is historic, known for being India's first female combat helicopter pilot in the Indian Army. Her transition from Army Aviation to a UN peacekeeping mission underscores the expanding roles of women officers in combat and international peace support operations.
During her tenure with UNIFIL in Lebanon, Major Barak spearheaded initiatives aimed at women, adolescent girls, and local communities. According to UN India, her outreach efforts impacted over 5,000 women and girls, enhancing communication with local communities and promoting gender-sensitive engagement, ensuring women's voices are heard in peacekeeping activities.
Additionally, she played a role in gender sensitization training for peacekeepers, aiding troops in understanding the security concerns, social realities, and needs of women and girls in conflict zones. This aligns with the United Nations' Women, Peace and Security agenda, emphasizing women's participation, protection, and leadership in peace and security efforts.
The UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award honors military peacekeepers committed to integrating gender perspectives into peacekeeping operations. Major Barak's selection for the 2025 award highlights her ability to blend military expertise with humanitarian sensitivity and community involvement.
Her recognition marks another proud moment for India, as Major Barak becomes the third Indian peacekeeper to receive this prestigious award. Previously, Major Suman Gawani was honored in 2019 for her service with the UN Mission in South Sudan, and Major Radhika Sen received the 2023 award for her work with the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The personal congratulations from Faisal Shahkar, a senior Pakistani police official, to an Indian Army officer underscores a special diplomatic and symbolic significance. Despite complex relations between India and Pakistan, the UN peacekeeping platform often unites personnel from various nations under a shared mission of peace, protection, and service to humanity.
Major Barak's work in Lebanon exemplifies the evolving nature of modern peacekeeping, where peacekeepers are expected to maintain security while building trust with local communities, addressing gender-based challenges, and supporting vulnerable populations to create sustainable stability.
Her success highlights the importance of women in uniform, as female peacekeepers often play vital roles in reaching segments of society that may otherwise remain inaccessible, particularly women and girls in conservative or conflict-affected areas. Through her leadership, Major Barak strengthened confidence between peacekeepers and local communities.
Upon receiving the award, Major Barak emphasized that dreams, leadership, courage, and the will to serve humanity transcend gender. Her words encapsulate the broader message of her journey, illustrating how women officers are breaking barriers and redefining leadership in uniform.
For India, the award represents continued recognition of its long-standing contributions to United Nations peacekeeping. Indian soldiers, police personnel, medical teams, and observers have participated in numerous UN missions globally. Major Barak's achievement adds a new chapter to this legacy, demonstrating the global impact of Indian women officers in challenging operational environments.
The recognition of Major Abhilasha Barak by the United Nations, and the commendation by Faisal Shahkar, serves as a powerful testament to professionalism beyond borders. It tells the story of an Indian Army officer serving humanity in Lebanon, a Pakistani police chief acknowledging her contributions at the UN, and a global peacekeeping system increasingly valuing the leadership of women in uniform.
