UN mourns loss of staff members killed in Peshawar bombing

ISLAMABAD (SANA): The United Nations held a special ceremony on Friday to pay homage to its staff members and Pakistani co-workers who lost their lives in the devastating terrorist attack in Peshawar on 9 June.

UN Resident Coordinator Fikret Akcura conveyed deepest condolences to the families of the deceased on behalf of the entire UN community in Pakistan.

He said that the United Nation community was deeply shocked and saddened by the death of their dear colleagues, Mr. Aleksandar Vorkapic of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Ms. Perseveranda So of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Aleksandar was on his first emergency mission. Perseverada, known as Persy, served as the Chief of Education.

Representing the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr. Babar Awan, Federal Minister and Special Representative of the President, conveyed the condolences of the Pakistani Government to the families of the deceased. He expressed the strong determination of the Government to work with the United Nations and to bring peace and stability for the future generations of Pakistanis.

Martin Mogwanja, UN Humanitarian Coordinator and Representative of UNICEF, described the dedication of Persy, saying that this was not a job for her but a mission. She even declined a senior position to a more comfortable duty station as she was extremely committed to serving the children of this country. He read three poems written by UNICEF staff members in remembrance of Persy.

Daniel Baker, Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), noted that the three Pakistani nationals, who perished in the bombing, had supported the UNFPA projects. Mr. Mohammad Maskeen, an Administrative Assistant, and Mr. Mohammad Tahir, a driver, had volunteered to go to Peshawar to assist the relief effort. Mr. Mohammad Fawad worked as a driver for two weeks for the district team from Kohat, which was deployed to Peshawar.

Michael Zwack, Deputy Representative of UNHCR, said that Aleksandar was an IT specialist and was to assist with the registration of IDPs. When he was asked about this assignment before being deployed to Peshawar, he said: “You can count on me.”

The Chairperson of the Federation of the United Nations Staff Association (FUNSA), Salemm Sheikh, extended the condolences of the Staff Association to the departed colleagues, and prayed for the speedy recovery of those were injured.

The memorial service was moderated by Hiro Ueki, Acting Director of the UN Information Centre in Islamabad.