| FO highlights data on fallen peacekeepers, 157 in total to this date | UN Chief expresses grief over martyrdom of six Pakistani peacekeepers
From Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: As one of the top troop-contributing countries, Pakistan deeply values 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 FO statement said.
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 29 March. There were 8 UN peacekeepers including six Pakistani troops on board, none of whom survived the unfortunate crash. The exact cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained.
The FO extended “deepest and heartfelt condolences” to the families of the deceased for their ultimate sacrifice for the cause of maintaining international peace and security.
“157 of Pakistan’s bravest peacekeepers have already fallen in the line of duty while serving in UN missions,” it said.
The FO said Pakistan was proud of its long-standing and consistent contributions to 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,” it said.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday expressed sadness over the death of eight peacekeepers including six Pakistan Army officers, who were on board a helicopter that crashed yesterday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“An investigation into the crash is now underway. I wish to express my sincere condolences to their families and loved ones,” he wrote on his official Twitter handle.
A statement issued by the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Tuesday, said that the exact cause of the crash is yet to be ascertained.
The ISPR identified the martyred official as Lt Col Asif Ali Awan, (pilot), Maj Saad Nomani (co-pilot), Maj Faizan Ali, N/sub Sami Ullah Khan (flight engineer), Havaldar Muhammad Ismail (crew chief) and L/Hav Muhamad Jamil (Gunner).
The UN Stabilisation Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO) said in a tweet that it had “lost contact” with one of its helicopters which was on a reconnaissance mission in the region.
“The causes of this disappearance are not yet known. Research is ongoing,” the mission had said.
