Pakistani peacekeeper martyred during duty in Congo

RAWALPINDI (92 News) - A Pakistani peacekeeper, Havaldar Babar Siddique, embraced martyrdom in the line of duty on UN Peace Keeping Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo.

The martyred peacekeeper was a resident of Shakargarh. He was 35 and survived by a widow, a son and a daughter.

On 30 September 22, six armed assailants from Bunyamalange Armed Group approached  Permanent Operation Base (POB) Minibwe, Congo in disguise to surrender their weapons as part of UN initiative. Havaldar Babar Siddique was performing the duties of Guard Commander at entry point for registering proclaimed surrenders. The assailants started discriminate firing on the check post. Resultantly, Havaldar Babar received a gunshot to his head. The Pakistan Army troops responded immediately. Havaldar Babar was evacuated to  nearest Pakistan Army medical Aid Post but he could not survive.

Pakistan has always played a pivotal role as responsible member of the international community to help realize ideals of global peace and security through active support in various UN Peacekeeping missions. Our Peacekeepers have always distinguished themselves in executing challenging peacekeeping tasks in conflict-torn areas through devotion and, if necessary, rendering supreme sacrifices.

So far 171 Pakistan peacekeepers have laid down their lives during various UN missions for international peace and security.