ISLAMABAD: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Pakistan Army Major General Jawwad Ahmed Qazi as the new Force Commander of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), marking another recognition of Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping.

The appointment, announced by Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, reflects Islamabad’s continued commitment to supporting international efforts for peace, stability and conflict resolution through the UN peacekeeping system.

According to Pakistan’s UN mission, Major General Qazi brings more than 35 years of leadership, operational and peacekeeping experience in the Pakistan Army and the United Nations to the assignment.

He has held senior command, staff and instructional positions in Pakistan and abroad, including serving as General Officer Commanding of an infantry division, Force Commander in the Northern Areas and Director General at the Ministry of Defense.

Major General Qazi also has previous UN experience, having served with the UN Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES) in Croatia.

The Pakistan Mission said Islamabad “takes pride in the appointment and remains committed to supporting UN peacekeeping through the deployment of mission-ready contingents and leaders with extensive peacekeeping experience.”

Pakistan’s longstanding UN peacekeeping role

The appointment comes against the backdrop of Pakistan’s longstanding and active role in UN peacekeeping operations. Pakistani military and police personnel have served in numerous UN missions over the decades, contributing to international efforts to maintain peace, protect civilians and support political processes in conflict-affected regions.

Pakistan has consistently highlighted UN peacekeeping as a key component of its contribution to international peace and security, with its personnel serving in challenging environments under UN mandates.

The appointment of a Pakistani officer to lead the military component of MINURSO further underscores Islamabad’s continued engagement with the United Nations and its confidence in the professionalism and operational experience of its armed forces.

MINURSO and Western Sahara

MINURSO was established in Western Sahara, where the territory’s political status remains unresolved. The dispute involves Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the Sahrawi people and has called for a UN-supervised referendum on self-determination.

The UN mission operates in support of the political process and its mandate in the territory, where efforts toward a lasting settlement have continued for decades.

Major General Qazi’s appointment places a Pakistani military officer in a senior UN peacekeeping leadership role at a mission addressing one of the region’s longstanding political disputes.

The appointment further highlights Pakistan’s continued support for UN-led efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability, and peaceful resolution of conflicts.