Pakistani peacekeeper martyred in Congo; UN chief mourns

UNITED NATIONS (92 News) – A Pakistani soldier, Naik Naeem Raza, serving the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was martyred and another wounded in an ambush by an armed group in the eastern part of the strife-torn African country, as the UN chief called for bringing those responsible for the attack to justice. The attack took place near Lulimba, 96 km south west of Baraka, in DRC’s South Kivu Province. At least one other peacekeeper was wounded in the attack. In a statement, UN Spokesman said United Nations Secretary General António Guterres strongly condemned killing of a Pakistani peacekeeper in Congo who was ambushed near Lulimba. The UN Secretary General also condoled with the family of the deceased and people and government of Pakistan.  The Secretary-General said the attackers should be brought to justice. Another Pakistani peacekeeper was also wounded in the attack. António Guterres also reiterated his call on armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to lay down their arms and seek to resolve their grievances peacefully. “He reaffirms the readiness of MONUSCO and the United Nations system to continue working with the authorities of the DRC to help address the security challenges facing the country.” Meanwhile, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Maleeha Lodhi in a tweet said Pakistan's peacekeepers will continue efforts to uphold international peace and security despite the attack. She prayed for the martyred peacekeeper Naik Naeem Raza and early recovery of the injured soldier. Pakistan is among the top contributors to U.N. peacekeeping operations around the world, with more than 7,000 Pakistanis currently serving as blue helmets. More than 170,000 Pakistanis have served over the past decades. One hundred and forty seven Pakistani peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of world peace and stability.