Pakistani UN peacekeeper identified as Havaldar Babar Siddique embraces martyrdom in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Havaldar Babar Siddique embraced martyrdom in the line of duty during UNPKO @ DRC on 30 September 2022,” said ISPR in a statement.
“Since our journey with UN which started in 1960, 171 Pakistani peacekeepers have laid down their lives during various UN Missions for international peace and security,” further read the ISPR statement.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations, six armed assailants from Buynamalagne Armed Group approached the Permanent Operation Base in disguise to surrender their weapons as part of a UN initiative.
Havaldar Babar Siddique embraced martyrdom in the line of duty during UNPKO @ DRC on 30
September, 2022. Since our journey with UN which started in 1960, 171 Pakistani peacekeepers have laid down their lives during various UN Missions for international peace and security. pic.twitter.com/e0jkTHEbmZ— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) October 1, 2022
35-year-old Babar Siddique was performing the duty of Guard Commander of registering the names of proclaimed surrenders at the entry point.
Read more: Pakistan major contributor in UN peacekeeping missions for 6 decades: Maleeha Lodhi
Havaldar Babar Siddique received a gunshot on his head and died after assailants opened fire on the check post.
He is survived by a wife and two children- a son and a daughter. He was a resident of Shakargarh. Pakistani Army troops responded to the attack immediately.
“Havaldar Babar was evacuated to the nearest Pakistan Army medical aid post but he could not survive.”
“Our peacekeepers have always distinguished themselves in executing challenging peacekeeping tasks in conflict-torn areas through devotion and, if necessary rendering supreme sacrifices,” the ISPR statement added.
Back in May, six Pakistani peacekeepers were awarded posthumously by United Nations (UN) at a ceremony on Thursday. Six Pakistani peacekeepers are among the 117 peacekeepers awarded the UN medal for sacrificing their lives for the cause of peace. Five of them belong to Pakistan armed forces- Tahir Ikram, Tahir Mehmood, Mohammad Naeem, Adil Jan, Mohammad Shafiq, and Ibrar Syed- a civilian.
Ambassador of Pakistan to United Nations Munir Akram expressed his views on Pakistanis being awarded a UN medal and the contribution of Pakistan to the UN Peacekeeping Mission since 1948.
“Pakistan: One of the longest-serving & largest contributors @UNPeacekeeping for decades, is committed to helping the vulnerable communities affected by conflict & continues to adapt to the changing environment & needs of the Peacekeeping operations,” said Munir Akram in a tweet.
“We are committed to helping the vulnerable communities affected by conflict and will continue to adapt to the changing environment and needs of the peacekeeping operations,” said Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Munir Akram.