Pakistan’s Major General Jawwad Ahmed Appointed UN Peacekeeping Commander in Western Sahara

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Pakistan Army Major General Jawwad Ahmed as the new Force Commander of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). He succeeds Bangladesh’s Major General Md Fakhrul Ahsan, whose tenure ended on August 2, 2026.

Major General Ahmed brings more than 35 years of military leadership and operational experience, including previous service with the United Nations. During his career in Pakistan, he has held several senior positions, including Director General at the Ministry of Defence, where he was responsible for matters related to command, administration, and local governance in cantonment areas serving more than 5.3 million people.

He has also served as General Officer Commanding of an infantry division, Force Commander of the Northern Areas, and Director General of the Inspection and Evaluation Directorate at General Headquarters. His other assignments include brigade command in high-altitude regions and serving as Chief Instructor at the National Command and Staff College in Quetta.

Major General Ahmed also has prior UN peacekeeping experience. Earlier in his career, he served with a Pakistani battalion under the UN Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium in Croatia.

His appointment to lead MINURSO highlights Pakistan’s continued contribution to UN peacekeeping operations and brings extensive field, command, and international experience to the mission.