LAHORE, Aug 21: Pakistan Army is recognized as the emblem of security, stability and harmony the world over for the dedication, zeal and sacrifices rendered by its troops in the service of peace under the UN flag.

This was stated by Lahore Corps Commander Lt-Gen Zarrar Azim while speaking to the Pakistan peace keeping continent prior to its departure for Congo on a UN chartered aircraft here at the Allama Iqbal International Airport on Thursday, said an ISPR press release.

Gen Zarrar said Pakistan had supported UN efforts for peace around the globe through its willing contribution and active participation in men and material for this noble cause.

He said devotion to duty and a greater sense of sacrifice was a quality which distinguished the Pakistani troops from the rest of the armies in the world. The examples of selflessness and compassion set forth by the Pakistani troops during peace keeping missions continued to serve as a beacon light for the multi-national UN force in any part of the world even to this day.

He advised the troops to discharge their duty diligently under the UN mandate and demonstrate patience, tolerance and positive attitude no matter if the environments were alien to them.

He said the country had taken great pains in getting respect in the comity of nations and advised the troops to make sincere efforts in maintaining this image abroad.

Gen Zarrar said the troops had an arduous and daunting task ahead and expressed the hope that they would perform it through strength of character, commitment, professionalism and perseverance.

This is the second time during the past 42 years that Pakistan has contributed its troops for Congo. Earlier, it had sent its troops to the country under the UN charters after it attained independence from Belgium in 1960. The peace keeping mission that lasted from 1960 to 1964 ensured the smooth withdrawal of colonial troops and helped the country maintain its political independence besides deterring eruption of a civil war.