The major component of Pakistani troops assigned the mission for restoration of peace under the aegis of United Nations in war ravaged Liberia left here on Wednesday on a specially chartered UN aircraft.
The contingent will be led by Brigadier Irfan Azam. The total strength of the Pakistan contingent will comprise of about 2800 troops, mainly a composite force consisting of all arms and services, according to a ISPR press release.
Seeing the troops off at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, Major General Atif Akhtar said that performance of Pakistani troops under various UN peace-keeping missions has earned world-wide acclaim for its professionalism and devotion to duty.
Liberia, a small country at the tip of Western Coast of Africa, was settled by freed American slaves in the early 19th century and became a republic in 1847. Its economy depends mainly on export of natural resources, especially iron ore.
The long civil war between different ethnic groups for control of these resources has destroyed much of the country's infrastructure. Stability in Liberia is vital to her neighbours, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast, which have also been caught up in the fighting in recent years.
United Nations want to restore peace and economic uplift in this West African region. Pakistan, on UN request, decided to form part of the UN mission, in keeping with its policy to help ensure peace anywhere in the world under the UN flag.
Pakistan has contributed in various UN peace missions around the globe since 1960. Presently Pak troops are serving under the auspices of UN flag in East Timor, Congo and Sierra Leone.
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