ISLAMABAD – The United Nations (UN) conferred medals on Pakistani peacekeepers serving in the UN Stabilisation Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday. “A ceremony for award of UN medals to Pakistani peacekeepers serving in the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) was held at Bukavu in South Kivu province,” said an Inter-Services Public Relations press release. Special Representative to the Secretary General (SRSG) Roger A Meece, force commander, Lieutenant General Chander Prakash, Deputy Force Commander Major General Andrian J Foster, Honourary Counsel General of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Aslam Pyarali Rawji and heads and staff of various UN agencies and notables of South Kivu province attended the UN medal award parade.
The SRSG praised the Pakistani contingent for their unwavering commitment to the cause of peace and awarded UN medals to 3,500 Pakistani peacekeepers. He discussed important contributions made by the Pakistani peacekeepers, undertaking diverse tasks in Congo ranging from military operations to winning hearts and minds of the local Congolese. He acknowledged the contribution of Pakistani troops in crisis management and helping provincial government and UN agencies on various occasions.
MONUSCO Force Commander Lieutenant General Chander Prakash praised contributions of the Pakistani contingent in maintaining peace in South Kivu province and deemed their contributions exceptional.
Prakash admired the discipline, conduct and prompt response of the Quick Reaction Forces of Pakistani battalions at the time of emergency. He commended the compassion shown by Pakistani peacekeepers towards protection of civilians, provision of assistance to schools, youth organisations, orphanages and stabilisation projects.
Later, the SRSG and the force commander pinned UN medals to Pakistani peacekeepers. The SRSG also awarded Force Commander’s Certificates of Commendation to Pakistani officers and soldiers who performed well in different operations and emergencies for saving precious lives of
UN confers medals on Pakistani peacekeepers
