RAWALPINDI, Aug 18: The first batch of Pakistan Army troops left for Congo on Monday to perform peacekeeping duties under the United Nations Mission, a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations said.

The statement said the Pakistan Army contingent comprised of about 1,000 military personnel including those from the infantry and a sizable strength of supporting arms.

It said Democratic Republic of Congo was a strife-torn African country with a population of six million people had suffered from almost four decades of intense factional fighting encouraged by its eastern neighbours.

The UN peace-keeping force was approved for Congo as a result of UNSC Resolution 1291 of February 24, 2000.

Currently, about 10 countries are contributing their troops. Pakistan has been recently inducted in the mission to fulfil the assigned task of maintaining peace and order in an unfortunate country ravaged by dissidents belonging to different feuding tribes, it added.

The statement said Pakistan had made dedicated contributions for peace-keeping since 1961 and its valiant troops were internationally acclaimed for devotion, determination and professionalism in achieving peace. It has formed part of the major UN peace-keeping missions in Somalia, Cambodia, Haiti, Bosnia, Eastern Sloven, East Timor and Sierra Leone.