Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the tragic loss of six soldiers of the Pakistani Army in a helicopter crash.

A statement from the PM’s office quoted him as paying homage to the services of the Pakistani Armed Forces for maintaining peace in the world.

On Tuesday, the helicopter crashed during a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo).

According to the army’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the PUMA helicopter crashed while undertaking a reconnaissance mission, claiming the lives of eight UN peacekeepers on board, including six Pakistani officers and soldiers.

Pakistan has always played a pivotal role as a responsible member of the international community to help realise global peace and security ideals through active participation in various UN peacekeeping missions, the ISPR said in a statement.

“Our peacekeepers have always distinguished themselves in executing challenging peacekeeping tasks in conflict-prone areas through devotion and, if necessary, rendering supreme sacrifices,” the statement added.

(Xinhua/NAN)