Rawalpindi: An Indian top commander acknowledged the professionalism of Pakistani peacekeepers, performing their duties for maintenance of peace and security in South Sudan in the line with mandate assigned by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Force Commander United Mission in South Sudan, Lieutenant General S Mohan from India, praised Pakistani peacekeepers in a letter to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir.

“Indian General Officer commended professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment of Pakistani Peacekeepers,” ISPR said.

ISPR continued that Mohan specially acknowledged the role played by Brigadier Shafqat Iqbal as sector commander and Lieutenant Colonel Shahbaz Aslam as commanding officer.

“The Force Commander's recognition serves as a testament to the Pakistani Army's reputation as a reliable and capable partner in international peacekeeping efforts,” it added.

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. “Pakistani contingent worked day and night and protected over 250,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in worst flood-affected areas.”

“Pakistan remains committed to play a pivotal role as a responsible member of the international community to help realise the ideals of global peace and security through active support in UN Peacekeeping Missions,” the ISPR concluded.

South Sudan has spent almost half of its life as a nation at war and continues to be roiled by outbreaks of politically motivated ethnic violence.

Meanwhile, two Pakistani female peacekeepers have been recognised for their outstanding performance and commitment in promoting the ideals of UN and awarded with Gender Advocacy Award by Under Secretary General, Department of Peace Operations.

While serving in international environment, Major Sania Safdar (served in UN Peacekeeping Mission Cyprus) and Major Komal Masood (served in Central African Republic) demonstrated exceptional professionalism, dedication and made significant contribution to mission's peace and stability efforts especially with regards to advancing women's meaningful participation in Peacekeeping Operations within the mission, the ISPR said.

“Their profound role in peacekeeping have been acknowledged by respective mission force commanders,” it added.

Islamabad: A book launch ceremony for "Mir Hazar Khan Marri: From Resistance to Reconciliation" was held at the Pak-China Center in Islamabad.

Notable attendees included the Governor of Balochistan, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, and Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, along with other prominent political and social figures from across the country.

The book, authored by renowned columnist and storyteller Ammar Masood, features research conducted by Khalid Fareed. 

It serves as a biography that explores the political landscape of Balochistan, detailing the transformative life of Hazara Khan and the current socio-political tensions in the region.

Mir Hazar Khan was known for his long-standing resistance against the state, refusing to accept the constitution.

Influenced by the Soviet invasion, many members of the Marri tribe sought refuge in Afghanistan, engaging in anti-Pakistan activities for two decades. 

Following the disintegration of the Soviet Union, these individuals found themselves displaced, unwelcome in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. 

During Benazir Bhutto's tenure, a general amnesty was declared for them, and they returned home with the realization that their struggle had been in vain.

This marked the beginning of Hazar Khan’s journey towards reconciliation with the state.

He transitioned into politics, actively engaging with political leaders and working diligently for the development of Balochistan. Remarkably, the same Hazara Khan who once rejected the constitution saw his grandchildren rise to high ranks in the military.

This narrative encapsulates the political tides of Balochistan and the journey from animosity to love. During his speech at the event, Ammar Masood remarked on the confusion faced by today's youth in Balochistan, who are misled by various forces. He urged them to read this story and foster love for their homeland.

Masood emphasized that it is now the government’s responsibility to ensure this book reaches every household, and he called for a film and songs to be created based on this timeless story, aiming to share the lessons of Mir Hazara Khan’s life with today’s Baloch youth.

Rawalpindi: Director General Strategic Plans Division Lieutenant General Yusuf Jamal on behalf of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee conferred Distinguished Service medals to thirty-five eminent scientists and engineers of the Strategic Plans Division for their meritorious services.

According to ISPR, the Investiture Ceremony was held at Chaklala Garrison on Thursday.