ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani soldier has died while on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Darfur, western Sudan, the military confirmed on Saturday.
The 38-year-old peacekeeper from Frontier Corps Balochistan was participating in the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation, a joint African Union and UN mission to bring stability to the war-torn Darfur region of Sudan.
"Lance Naik Adil Jan serving in UN mission Darfur embraced shahadat while on duty," the Pakistani military's media wing said in a statement.
"FC Balochistan, age 38 years resident of Lakki Marwat was part of UN mission Darfur responsible for protection of civilians and facilitating humanitarian assistance."
Pakistan’s involvement in UN peace missions spans over six decades with one of the largest contributors of uniformed personnel to peacekeeping. More than 7,000 Pakistani men and women currently serving in 14 countries under the UN flag.
The first UN peacekeeping mission for Pakistani soldiers began in 1960 in Congo, and the South Asian nation has since sent 200,000 soldiers, police and health personnel to 60 missions in 28 countries. At least 161 of them have lost their lives while on duty.