Pakistani peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have been awarded UN medals in recognition of their exemplary service in protecting approximately 300,000 residents of Bentiu, the capital of Unity state, from devastating floods. This accolade was announced in a press release received at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday.
The contingent of 272 Pakistani Blue Helmets played a critical role in constructing and maintaining dikes that prevented 5,600 square kilometers of floodwaters from inundating the Bentiu Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camp, which houses hundreds of thousands of people. Their efforts also safeguarded the surrounding areas, infrastructure, and essential service providers.
As their mission draws to a close, the Pakistani unit was honored with a citation for outstanding performance. Additionally, 23 Blue Helmets were awarded the prestigious Force Commander Commendation Card for their distinguished service.
Lieutenant-General Mohan Subramanian, UNMISS Force Commander, lauded the Pakistani unit during the award ceremony. “Their efforts, serving in one of the toughest locations, have made immense contributions through effective, economical, and timely completion of critical engineering projects. These altruistic acts speak volumes of their professional commitment,” he stated.
The press release highlighted the persistent dedication of the Pakistani peacekeepers despite facing compounded challenges such as climate disasters, food crises, conflict, and disease outbreaks. Their unwavering commitment has provided a semblance of normalcy and hope to the residents of Bentiu, emphasizing the vital role of UN peacekeeping missions in addressing both environmental and humanitarian crises.
“As this unit prepares to welcome the next contingent of Pakistani Army engineers, they leave behind a legacy of safety and resilience in Bentiu,” the release concluded.
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