Pakistan contributes 8247 security personnel in UN peace mission

Pakistan Army said Thursday it is presently contributing 8,247 security personnel of all ranks deployed in six different UN peacekeeping missions. Releasing details of the number of the soldiers in UN missions on the commemoration of the United Nations (UN) Day on Oct. 24, the army said Pakistan has contributed a total of 1,51,505 troops in 41 missions spread over 23 countries in almost all continents of the world. Pakistan has remained as one of the largest Troops Contributing Countries consistently for many years, the army said. In pursuance of its commitment to the noble cause of international peace and tranquillity, 136 Pakistani troops including 22 officers have given the ultimate sacrifice in different UN missions and almost an equal number have been wounded, a military statement said. "We must not forget the role and sacrifices of Pakistan Army in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions all over the world," the army said. Giving history of the country's UN peacekeeping mission, it said Pakistan's journey with UN Peacekeeping operations began in 1960 when it deployed its first ever contingent in United Nations Operations in Congo (ONUC). Over the past 50 years, Pakistan has been the most significant and consistent contributor to the UN peacekeeping around the world. Pakistani contingents played a significant role in normalizing the war torn regions and countries by maintaining law and order and overseeing successful transition of governments through supervision of elections in Cambodia, East Timor, Haiti, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Sudan, Congo and some other countries. "Pakistani peacekeepers have left no stone unturned in the noble cause of helping humanity, building peace and bringing stability across the regions, under the banner of United Nations,"the army said. Pakistan's dedication towards UN has been recognized by the fact that UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon himself visited Pakistan and inaugurated the Center for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) on Aug. 13, 2013 and acclaimed Pakistan's efforts in United Nations peacekeeping missions. The performance of Pakistani peacekeepers has been acknowledged worldwide by numerous world leaders and the UN leadership. The undisputed high professional standing enjoyed by Pakistani peacekeepers has given them the honor of being one of the most desired body of troops in each UN peacekeeping mission. "Our troops deployed in UN missions are continuously engaged in tasks like protection of civilians, providing health care and medical facilities, building roads and infrastructure, as