Islamabad: Maj Gen Zia Ur Rehman, a retired officer and former Force Commander of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, provided insights into UN peace operations during a lecture at the National University of Sciences and Technology’s Center for International Peace and Stability (NUST-CIPS). The event focused on the theme ‘Peace in Practice and the African Experience.’
Participants included students, faculty, and senior officials from the university. Maj Gen Zia Ur Rehman shared his experiences from the field, focusing on the role of the UN Security Council in peacekeeping missions. He discussed challenges such as multipolarity, terrorism, non-state actors, and emerging technologies like drones and cyber warfare.
The retired general emphasized the importance of adaptability, neutrality, and resilience in achieving success in African missions. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s significant contributions to UN peacekeeping efforts over the years.
The lecture concluded with a question-and-answer session, covering topics like hybrid warfare, accountability, the involvement of women in peacekeeping, and the future role of the UN in conflict resolution. This session allowed participants to link theoretical learning with practical experience, enriching their understanding of peace operations.