United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Pakistan Army Major General Jawwad Ahmed Qazi, Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military), as the new Force Commander of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).

Major General Qazi will take charge of the mission with more than three decades of military leadership, operational command and international peacekeeping experience.

During his career, he has served in several senior positions in Pakistan, including as General Officer Commanding an Infantry Division, Force Commander Northern Areas and Director General at the Ministry of Defence.

He has also gained direct UN peacekeeping experience through his service with the United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES) in Croatia.

His appointment adds to Pakistan’s long-standing contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, where the country has provided military contingents and senior officers for missions in different parts of the world.

Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN welcomed the appointment, saying the country remains committed to supporting international peace and stability through the deployment of experienced personnel and mission-ready contingents.

MINURSO was established by the UN to support efforts related to the referendum process in Western Sahara and maintain peace in the region.