President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the conferment of the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) on Commander National Strategic Command General Syed Amir Raza.
It may be recalled that last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promoted Lieutenant General Amir Raza to the rank of four-star general and appointed him as Commander National Strategic Command.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the promotion of Lieutenant General Amir Raza, recipient of the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-e-Basalat, who was serving as Chief of General Staff, to the rank of four-star general and appointed him as Commander National Strategic Command.
The Pakistan Army wins the International Pace Sticking Competition 2026 in the United Kingdom, securing all major honours for Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated General Amir Raza on his promotion and new responsibilities, expressing his best wishes for success in carrying out his new role.
General Amir Raza’s Career
General Amir Raza was commissioned in 1988. He graduated from the Command and Staff College, Quetta, and the National Defence University, Islamabad. He also holds a degree in International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
General Amir Raza was appointed Chief of General Staff (GHQ) in January 2025. He has also served as Commander IV Corps and Chairman of Heavy Industries Taxila.
Importance of the Commander National Strategic Command
It may be recalled that significant changes were introduced to the military chain of command through the 27th Constitutional Amendment last year. Under the amendment, the post of Commander National Strategic Command was created to assume the role of nuclear manager, a responsibility previously held by the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). That office was abolished on 27 November 2025.
As a result, the position is considered highly important for Pakistan’s strategic capabilities and national defence policy.
Under the amendment, the appointment, reappointment, and extension of the tenure of the Commander National Strategic Command are made on the recommendation of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
The Chief of Defence Forces is also a new office established under the 27th Constitutional Amendment to create a unified command structure for the armed forces. Following the amendment, Field Marshal Asim Munir, after serving as Chief of Army Staff, became Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces.
The Pakistan Army Act clearly states that the appointment, reappointment, extension of tenure, or the exercise of related powers by the appointing authority regarding the Commander National Strategic Command cannot be challenged in any court on any grounds.
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