RAWALPINDI: A Pakistani peacekeeper Havaldar Babar Siddique martyred in the line of duty on the UN Peace Keeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a terrorist group attacked the Permanent Operation Base (POB) under the garb of surrender.

Some six armed assailants from Bunyamalange Armed Group approached the POB Minibwe, Congo in disguise to surrender their weapons as part of the UN initiative on September 30, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

“Havaldar Babar Siddique was performing the duties of Guard Commander at the entry point for registering proclaimed surrenders,” it added.

However, the leading assailants started indiscriminate firing on the check post; resultantly, Havaldar Babar received a gunshot on his head.

The Pakistan Army troops responded immediately and evacuated Havaldar Babar to its nearest medical aid post but he could not survive.

The martyred Havaldar was a resident of Shakargarh, age 35 years, and was married, and survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter.

“Pakistan has always played a pivotal role as a responsible member of the international community to help realise 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,” the ISPR said.

It added that so far 171 Pakistan peacekeepers have laid down their lives during various UN missions for international peace and security.