By NNN-APP
Islamabad : In recognition of their meritorious services towards humanitarian assistance and maintenance of law and order situation in Liberia, Pakistani troops were presented UN medals at a colorful ceremony held at Tubmanburg.
According to a message received here on Friday, the prestigious event was organized by the Pakistani contingent with professional zeal and traditional fervor.
The simple but impressive ceremony included parade by smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Army and drive past cultural floats representing culture of Pakistan.
Senior Representatives of the Secretary General (SRSG) Mr Alan Doss graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Both the Deputy Senior Representatives of the Secretary General (DSRG), Force Commander (FC), Deputy Force Commander (DFC), senior UNMIL officials, Staff Officers from Force Headquarters (FHQ), officials of Bomi County, notables of the area, diplomats and government functionaries were amongst the distinguished guests.
A smartly turned out parade and well executed drill attracted the audience who were spontaneous in applauding the efforts put in by all ranks for this impressive ceremony. The guest of honour expressed deep satisfaction over the commitment and hard work put in by Pakistani contingent in meeting the challenges in the most befitting manner.
Highlighting Pakistan’s role in peacekeeping efforts, the Pakistan Contingent Commander Brigadier Ahmad Nawaz said, “Pakistan’s dedication to peace is manifested by its record participation in the United Nations peacekeeping efforts.
The participation of Pakistan armed forces in United Nations Missions has been global and dates back to 1960. Till date more than 50,000 officers and men of Pakistan Army have rendered services in 38 different missions around the world.
Even today, Pakistan is the largest troops contributing country with over 10,000 troops in Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Burundi, Western Sahara, Georgia, Kosovo, East Timor, Haiti, Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire and here in Liberia, he added.
After the address and presenting of general salute, the chief guest and other dignitaries adorned UN medals to the participants. All spectators appreciated the outstanding standard of drill, especially the demonstration by Special Services Group, band and the cultural floats prepared for the occasion portraying the rich culture of Pakistan and Liberia.
Pakistan contingent’s initiative of awarding the appreciation certificates to UNMIL Regional Section Heads to recognize their services for promoting harmony and good working relations amongst the military and civilian component of United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) was highly appreciated by all.