ISLAMABAD: Four Pakistani soldiers, who sacrificed their lives while serving in the United Nations peacekeeping mission, were honoured with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

The UN peacekeepers day was observed on Wednesday across the world, including Pakistan, to salute over 111,000 peacekeepers serving in 15 missions in world's most dangerous environs.

The sacrifices of 103 peacekeepers, including 4 Pakistani soldiers, who paid the ultimate price in serving the cause of peace in hot spots around the world last year, were honoured.

"I make a solemn pledge to the loved ones of those who we honour: the United Nations will never forget the high cost that your family paid for the cause of peace," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told a solemn ceremony marking the annual International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

"We will preserve their memory, carry on their work and do everything possible to establish lasting peace in the areas where they served," the UN chief added.

He also paid tribute to more than 111,000 military, police and civilians currently serving worldwide under the blue flag. Colonel Solat Rana, military adviser at the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations, received the Dag Hammarskold medals on behalf of the families of the awardees from UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Herve Ladsous at the ceremony held at UN Headquarters in New York.

The fallen Pakistan Army soldiers are: Subedar Mukhtiar Ahmed (UNOCI -Ivory Coast); Havaldar Ali Khan (MONUSCO - Democratic Republic of Congo); Sepoy Ahmed Niaz (UNOCI - Ivory Coast), and Sepoy Habibullah (MONUSCO - Democratic Republic of Congo).

"I offer my deepest sympathies and profoundest condolences to their families," the secretary-general said in brief remarks.

"We are working hard to improve safety for our personnel around the world," he said, addressing himself to a number of peacekeepers present at the ceremony. "But peacekeeping is inherently dangerous. And the risks are growing," the UN chief added.

Pakistan is one the biggest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions around the world, with over 8,000 troops.

The UN General Assembly established the International Day in 2002 to pay tribute to all men and women serving in UN peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication and courage, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.