ISLAMABAD, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- More than 6,000 Pakistani officers and soldiers are performing their duties as part of UN peacekeeping assignments, the Pakistani military media-wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Tuesday.
On the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the UN, the ISPR said in a statement that Pakistan Army peacekeepers have participated in 43 UN peacekeeping missions, including some of the most challenging ones, and 153 Pakistani peacekeepers were killed in their UN missions.
Pakistan's support to UN peacekeeping operations began in 1960 when Pakistan deployed its first ever contingent in UN operation in Congo, according to the army.
"Professionalism and services of Pakistani peacekeepers have been widely acknowledged worldwide by world leaders and UN leadership," the statement said.
Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain said Tuesday that the UN has made commendable efforts to advance the cause of international peace and security, development and human rights since its inception.
"Pakistan continues to figure prominently among the top troops contributing countries. Ever since the inception of the United Nations, 172,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have helped maintain and build peace for thousands of people affected by conflicts around the world," the president said in a statement.
"Pakistan pays tributes to its brave soldiers, who laid down their lives while serving under the blue flag."
