February 22, 2024: Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Under-Secretary General for the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, together with Ms. Hanna Tetteh, Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, visited the camp of Pakistan Battalion II (Pakbatt- ll) in Abeyi (UNISFA).
The Under-Secretary General and the Special Envoy laid the floral wreath at the martyrs ‘monument and observed one minute of silence to honour the memory of the fallen soldiers of Pakistan Army, especially Muhammad Tariq, who was martyred in the line of peacekeeping duty in January this year.
The Unit Commander of the Pakistan Army briefed the visiting guests about the initiatives undertaken by the Pakistan battalion to ensure peace and stability in the area. They were also informed about the role and tasks being rendered by the female staff of the Pakistan Battalion in the allied areas such as healthcare in addition to maintenance of peace and stability.
The UN Under-Secretary General held an interaction with the tribal leaders of the area. He lauded the efforts of the Pakistan Army to maintain peace and stability. He also recalled his recent visit to Wagha border Lahore. He expressed his deep sense of grief and sorrow on the loss of precious lives of the Pakistani peacekeepers, especially Muhammad Tariq, who rendered sacrifice in the service of peace.
The visiting two-member delegation was also briefed about the efforts of Pakistan to promote religious harmony with special reference to the establishment of Kartarpur Corridor. The special envoy showed her keen interest in personally visiting the Corridor.
The delegation was driven through the camp and was deeply impressed by the band display of the Army Unit. The local kids of the area organized a cultural show followed by exchange of souvenirs.
The USG also asked about the history of the Unit.
It may be recalled that Pakistani peacekeeper, Sepoy Muhammad Tariq, embraced martyrdom in January, while four other soldiers were injured in the attack. All of them belonged to the same battalion.
So far 181 Pakistani peacekeepers have laid their life during the peacekeeping missions under the UN Umbrella, which is the highest figure among the troop-contributing countries.
Sub Editor: Ghufran