RAWALPINDI: The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Tuesday denounced as mere propaganda a news report broadcast by BBC World that alleged the involvement of Pakistani peacekeepers in child abuse on the Ivory Coast.

ISPR said investigations had found the report ‘malicious’ and ‘baseless’, adding the incident in question is nearly six months old and nothing was reported either formally or informally to any United Nations office in the area during that period.

ISPR added that Pakistani peacekeepers were highly disciplined and motivated soldiers who were respected for their professionalism and dedication all over the world. It said that it was unfortunate that a television channel which claimed to be unbiased had broadcast a one-sided version of the report. It is another attempt to malign the Pakistan Army and UN Peacekeepers, the ISPR stressed. No such incident has been reported from mission area nor UN has informed Pakistan about involvement of any Pakistani peacekeeper in any such incident.

The Pakistan Army will take up the case with the UN and the Office of Oversight Investigation Service (OSIS) for detailed investigation of the matter and if the report proves to be false, the army is liable to take legal action against the channel, ISPR added. app


Daily Times