ISLAMABAD, OCT 5, SPA – The first batch of Pakistan Army troops has left to perform peacekeeping duties under the aegis of United Nations Mission in Congo, said an official statement. Brig Muhammad Tariq Khan bade them farewell at the Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore prior to their departure on a UN chartered aircraft. The present batch comprises about 175 military personnel including a major component of infantry and a sizeable strength of supporting arms, to relieve the troops due to arrive home on completion of their tenure of duty as part of the rotation plan. The statement said Democratic Republic of Congo, a strife-torn African country with a population of six million people has suffered from almost four decades of intense factional fighting encouraged by its eastern neighbours. The UN peacekeeping force was approved for Congo as a result of UN Security Council resolution 1291 of February 24, 2000. Presently about ten countries are contributing their troops. Pakistan Army has been inducted in the mission to maintain peace and order in the country ravaged by dissidents from feuding tribes. This is the second time in the last fifty years that Pakistan Army component has formed part of the UN peacekeeping mission to Congo, the first being in 1960.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/394249