Indian general praises professionalism of Pakistani soldiers on UN mission in South Sudan

Displaced women speak to UN Mission Peacekeepers from Pakistan Army in a displacement camp in Juba, South Sudan on September 13, 2024. (Photo courtesy: UNMISS)

• Severe flooding in Sudan last month led to the destruction of nearly two dozen villages and caused 30 confirmed deaths
• Pakistani peacekeepers undertook daunting engineering tasks in a complex environment, ensuring protection of civilians

ISLAMABAD: Indian Force Commander at the United Nations (UN) mission in South Sudan, Lt. Gen. S Mohan, has commended the efforts of Pakistan’s peacekeeping contingent in saving hundreds of thousands of Sudanese people stranded in floods last month, the Pakistani military said on Thursday.
Severe flooding that resulted from torrential rains overwhelmed the Arbaat Dam and led to the destruction of nearly two dozen villages and caused at least 30 confirmed deaths in Sudan last month, Reuters reported.
Pakistani peacekeepers, who have been performing duties for peace and security in South Sudan, undertook daunting engineering tasks in a complex environment and ensured the protection of civilians, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing.
The Indian general acknowledged their professionalism in a letter written to Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, in which Lt Gen Mohan commended the “dedication and unwavering commitment” of Pakistani peacekeepers in Sudan.
“Pakistani blue helmets have undertaken daunting engineers’ tasks in complex and challenging operational environment to ensure protection of civilians, which has always remained top priority for Pakistani peacekeepers,” the ISPR said in a statement.
“Pakistani contingent worked day and night and protected over 250,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in worst flood affected areas.”
The complex and contentious relationship between Pakistan and India has been marred by territorial and other disputes, with the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir being the most significant of them. Ties between the two neighbors remain suspended since Aug. 2019, when New Delhi revoked semi-autonomous status of part of Kashmir it controls.
The ISPR said the Indian general specially acknowledged Pakistan’s Brig. Shafqat Iqbal and Lt. Col. Shahbaz Aslam for their role in saving the lives of Sudanese people, which served as a “testament” to Pakistan Army’s reputation in international peacekeeping efforts.
“Pakistan remains committed to play a pivotal role as a responsible member of the international community to help realize the ideals of global peace and security through active support in UN Peacekeeping Missions,” it added.