Pakistan, June 7 -- The United Nations Friday paid tribute to the nearly 4,500 peacekeepers, including 183 Pakistanis, who have died in the line of duty since 1948 during a solemn wreath-laying and medal ceremony.

The ceremony-held to mark the annual International Day of UN Peacekeepers-was held at UN Headquarters in New York.

Pakistan, one of the largest troop contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, was represented at the dignified event by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad.

The commemoration came hours after another blue helmet serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) died from injuries sustained in a mortar attack, as hostilities continue between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters.

The day began with UN Secretary-G...