UN peacekeeping mission in D.R. Congo pays homage to fallen Pakistani soldier

UNITED NATIONS, Jan 31 (APP):Deputy Force Commander of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Major General Bernard Commins, has paid Homage to the fallen Pakistani soldier, Naik Muhammad Naeem Raza, who was killed on January 27 in an ambush in South Kivu by an illegal Mai Mai armed group.
He was speaking at solemn ceremony which took place at the Goma International Airport on Tuesday before the mortal remains of Naik Raza were transported to Pakistan via Entebbe, Uganda, according to a message received at UN Headquarters in New York.
General Commins expressed, on behalf of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission, known as MONUSCO, his heartfelt condolence to the wife and children of the deceased, as well as the Pakistani Army. “May his soul rest in Peace.”
He said the death of the Pakistani Blue Helmet would not in any way discourage the mission in the fight to neutralize the illegal armed groups in area, adding that MONUSCO force was determined to continue to carry out their mandate of protecting civilians and the environment.
The ceremony was attended by the Force Chief of Staff, the Central Sector Commander, Force Headquarters Officers, MONUSCO Civilian Staff and representatives of other contingents, including the Indian and Uruguayan Battalions.
Naik Raza joined MONUSCO in May 2017 after serving the Pakistani Army for about 10 Years. He left behind his wife and four children to morn his death.