Pakistan pays tribute to its ‘bravest’ UN peacekeepers

Islamabad in touch with relevant authorities for repatriation of mortal remains of fallen soldiers

ISLAMABAD:

As one of the top troop-contributing countries, Pakistan deeply valued the vital role played by the “blue helmets” in maintaining security and stability in many conflict-ridden areas around the world, the Foreign Office said Wednesday.

In the wake of the crash of a Pakistan army helicopter during UN Peacekeeping duties in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Foreign Office said, the missions were in constant touch with the UN authorities.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations New York are in constant touch with the UN authorities to facilitate and expedite the early repatriation of the mortal remains, and to ascertain the details and cause of the helicopter crash,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.

READ Six Pakistani officers, soldiers among UN peacekeepers martyred in copter crash

A Pakistan Army helicopter deployed on peacekeeping duties with the United Nations Organisation Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) crashed during a reconnaissance operation on Tuesday.

There were eight UN peacekeepers, including six Pakistani troops, on board, none of whom survived the unfortunate crash. The exact cause of the incident was yet to be ascertained.

The Foreign Office extended “deepest and heartfelt condolences” to the families of the deceased for their ultimate sacrifice for the cause of maintaining international peace and security. “One hundred and fifty-seven of Pakistan’s bravest peacekeepers have already fallen in the line of duty, while serving in UN missions,” it said.

The Foreign Office said that Pakistan was proud of its long-standing and consistent contributions to the UN peacekeeping, spanning over six decades. Since 1960, over 200,000 of our servicemen have served with honour and valour in 46 UN missions in almost all continents of the world.

“Through their professionalism and dedication, our peacekeepers have always distinguished themselves in every mission they have participated in,” Foreign Office statement concluded.