UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has paid tribute to Pakis­tani soldier Fahad Iftikhar, who was recently killed in the Central African Republic (CAR) while serving the UN peacekeeping force in the conflict-hit country.

In a letter to Pakistan’s Ambas­sador to the UN Masood Khan, he asked the envoy to convey to Islam­abad and the bereaved family his heart-felt condolences on the loss and his appreciation for the contribution made by Iftikhar to UN efforts for peace in the African country.

“I would also like to express...my gratitude for the valuable support that the government of Pakistan continues to provide to this important peacekeeping operation,” the UN chief said.

Iftikhar, 32, died from head injuries he suffered during an ambush on the convoy he was escorting in Bangui, CAR, on Oct 9.

Published in Dawn, October 25th , 2014