LAHORE, Sept 17: Pakistani troops left for peacekeeping duties in Congo under the aegis of United Nations.

Brig Shahid Zahoor saw them off at the Allama Iqbal International Airport. They departed on a UN-chartered aircraft on Wednesday morning, said an ISPR press release.

The UN peace-keeping force was approved for Congo by the UN Security Council on Feb 24, 2000.

Ten countries are contributing their troops to the mission, which aims at cessation of hostilities, comprehensive disarmament, demobilization, resettlement and re-integration of the members of armed groups involved in the conflict.

The mission also aims at protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian assistance, monitoring human rights and encouraging a national dialogue for sustainable peace in the country.—APP