UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan’s long-standing role in global peacekeeping has taken another step forward as Major Gen. Jawwad Ahmed assumes command of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), bringing more than three decades of military leadership and peacekeeping experience to the key UN assignment.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Ahmed as the mission’s new force commander, succeeding Major Gen. Md Fakhrul Ahsan of Bangladesh, whose assignment ended Aug. 2.
Ahmed brings more than 35 years of command, leadership and operational experience in the Pakistan Army and UN peacekeeping. His appointment further highlights Pakistan’s continued contribution to international peace and security.
Before taking the UN post, Ahmed held several senior positions in Pakistan, including director general at the Ministry of Defense in Rawalpindi, where he oversaw command and control, local governance and the administration of cantonment areas.
He has also served as general officer commanding of an infantry division, director general of the Inspection and Evaluation Directorate at General Headquarters and Force Commander Northern Areas. His other assignments included brigade command in cantonment and high-altitude areas and chief instructor at the National Command and Staff College in Quetta.
Ahmed has previous UN experience, having served with a Pakistani battalion deployed under the United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium in Croatia.
His academic credentials include a Master of Science in the Art and Science of Warfare and a Master of Philosophy in Public Policy and Strategic Security Management from Pakistan’s National Defense University. He also holds a postgraduate certificate in Security and Strategy for Global Leaders from King’s College London.
Ahmed speaks Urdu and English and has working knowledge of French, according to the United Nations.
Meanwhile, MINURSO held a farewell ceremony for outgoing force commander Ahsan at its headquarters in Laayoune. The mission’s Special Representative and head, Alexander Ivanko, praised Ahsan for his professionalism, leadership and contribution to the mission.
Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN said Ahmed’s appointment reflects the country’s continued commitment to UN peacekeeping and international efforts to promote peace and stability.
Pakistan remains one of the countries contributing personnel to UN peacekeeping missions and has pledged to continue providing trained, mission-ready contingents with extensive field experience.
