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

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.