UNITED NATIONS: Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the head of UN Peacekeeping Operations, recently visited Pakistani peacekeepers stationed in the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei, a region disputed by South Sudan and Sudan.
Accompanied by UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, Hanna Tetteh, Lacroix lauded the efforts of Pakistani peacekeepers in maintaining peace and stability in the volatile area.
During the visit, Lacroix and Tetteh paid tribute to fallen Pakistan Army soldiers, including sepoy Muhammad Tariq, who lost his life in the line of duty last month. They laid a floral wreath at the martyrs’ monument and observed a minute of silence in their honor.
The Pakistani peacekeepers briefed the delegation on their initiatives to ensure peace and stability in the region. They also highlighted the contributions of female staff in areas such as healthcare, alongside their peacekeeping duties.
Additionally, Lacroix engaged with tribal leaders of the area to understand the local dynamics better. He also recalled his recent visit to the Wagha border near Lahore, where he learned about Pakistan’s efforts to promote religious harmony, including the establishment of the Kartarpur Corridor. Tetteh expressed her interest in personally visiting the Corridor.
Impressed by the Pakistani battalion’s camp, the delegation witnessed a performance by the Army Unit band and enjoyed a cultural show organized by local children. The exchange of souvenirs further strengthened the bond between the visiting delegation and the Pakistani peacekeepers.
The visit highlighted the significant contributions of Pakistani peacekeepers to UN peacekeeping operations worldwide, with 181 lives sacrificed in the line of duty to date.
