ISPR denounces BBC World report
RAWALPINDI: A spokesman for the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has denounced the news report of the BBC World quoting “Save the Children” organisation about the alleged involvement of the Pakistani peacekeepers in a case of child abuse in Ivory Coast as a propaganda-motivated smear.
He said as per our preliminary investigation, it was malicious, unfounded and baseless report. The alleged incident is about six months old, he said. Neither anything was reported formally or informally to any UN office in the area during this period nor the local media reported any such happening, he added.
Apparently, it is yet another attempt to malign the Pakistan Army and the UN peacekeepers, the spokesman said. No such incident has been reported from the mission area nor the UN has informed Pakistan about the involvement of any Pakistani peacekeeper in any such incident, he said.
The Pakistani peacekeepers are highly disciplined and motivated soldiers who are esteemed very high for their professionalism and dedication across the world, he further said. He added that it was unfortunate that a television channel, which claimed to be unbiased, had telecast the one-sided version without even taking the view of the other side.
The Pakistan Army will take up the case with the UNÃs OSIS (Office of Oversight Investigation Service) for detailed investigation into the matter, the spokesman said.In case the report is proved false as a result of the UN investigation, we have the right to initiate a legal action against the organisation or the TV channel, he added.
Source: The News
Date:5/28/2008
” 
” 
” 
” 
