United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his “heartfelt condolences” on the recent deaths of two Pakistani soldiers who were killed during a UN peacemaking mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The two soldiers, Sepoys Muhammad Ishtiaq Abbasi and Tariq Javeed, were members of the Pakistani contingent of the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO.

In a letter to Pakistan's UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi, the secretary-general conveyed his sympathies to the Pakistani government and to the bereaved families of the soldiers.

He also lauded the soldiers' contribution to the UN efforts for peace in the DRC.

“I would also like to express to you my gratitude for the valuable support that the Government of Pakistan continues to provide to this important peacekeeping mission,” he wrote.

Pakistan is among the top contributors to UN peacekeeping operations around the world, with more than 7,000 Pakistanis currently serving as blue helmets.

More than 170,000 Pakistanis have served in UN peacekeeping missions across the world in the past decades, and 146 soldiers have lost their lives.

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...