Major General Tajeed Mumtaz appointed new FCNA Commander

RAWALPINDI/GILGIT: Major General Tajeed Mumtaz has been appointed as the new Force Commander of the Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA), a strategically important Pakistan Army formation responsible for the defence of the country’s northern areas.

According to sources, Major General Tajeed Mumtaz has assumed charge of FCNA in Gilgit. The formation is headquartered in Gilgit and is responsible for security and defence operations across key areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, including high-altitude locations and the Siachen sector.

The appointment comes as the region continues to hold strategic importance because of its mountainous terrain, proximity to China and the presence of key infrastructure and communication routes.

FCNA’s Strategic Role

The Force Command Northern Areas, also referred to as the Northern Area Command, functions as a Corps-equivalent formation and reports directly to the Army’s General Headquarters (GHQ), according to the information provided by sources.

The formation is responsible for military operations and defence preparedness across Gilgit-Baltistan and other high-altitude areas.

Its area of responsibility includes some of the world’s most challenging military environments, where troops operate at extreme elevations and under severe weather conditions.

FCNA includes several independent formations deployed across the region, including the 80th Infantry Brigade in Astore, 150th Infantry Brigade in Gilgit, 62nd Infantry Brigade in Skardu and 323rd Siachen Brigade in the Siachen sector.

The command’s responsibilities require sustained operational readiness because of the difficult terrain, extreme climate and strategic sensitivity of the region.

Major General Tajeed Mumtaz

Major General Tajeed Mumtaz is an infantry officer who, according to sources, has held various command and staff appointments during his military career.

His experience reportedly includes operational assignments involving high-altitude environments and counter-terrorism operations.

His appointment as FCNA commander places him in charge of a formation operating in one of Pakistan’s most challenging geographical and security environments.

Gilgit-Baltistan is also strategically significant because of its location along Pakistan’s northern frontier and its connection to major regional infrastructure and economic projects.

The region’s importance has increased further because of security requirements associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other development and connectivity projects.

Focus on Readiness and Troop Welfare

Sources said the new commander is expected to focus on operational preparedness, the welfare of troops deployed in difficult weather conditions and coordination with civilian authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Maintaining troop welfare remains particularly important in high-altitude deployments, where personnel face severe cold, difficult terrain and logistical challenges.

Civil-military coordination is also expected to remain an important aspect of the command’s responsibilities, particularly in areas where security and development activities overlap.

The appointment of Major General Tajeed Mumtaz comes at a time when Gilgit-Baltistan remains strategically important for Pakistan’s defence, regional connectivity and economic interests.

The new FCNA commander will oversee forces operating across some of the country’s most demanding terrain while managing security responsibilities along the northern frontier.