ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday conferred the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on General Aamer Raza, commander of the National Strategic Command, during an investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-i-Sadr, Islamabad.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the services chiefs, and senior military and government officials.
On July 24, PM Shehbaz approved the promotion of General Aamer Raza to the rank of a four-star general and appointed him to the position of Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC).
He was previously serving as the Chief of the General Staff of the Pakistan Army.
“The prime minister congratulated General Aamer Raza, HI(M), on his promotion and appointment, wishing him the best for undertaking this important responsibility,” the PM Office said in a statement.
The CNSC post was created after the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy (Amendment) Bills 2025 were passed under last year’s 27th Constitutional Amendment.
Following the legislation, the post of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) was abolished, and the Commander of the National Strategic Command post was created.
Who is Gen Aamer Raza?
General Aamer Raza’s promotion to four-star rank follows a distinguished professional career, including his service as Chief of General Staff at GHQ, a pivotal appointment demanding strategic vision, operational acumen, and a deep understanding of military affairs.
He previously served as Director General Weapons and Equipment and Chairman Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), providing a strong technical foundation for the demanding technological responsibilities associated with the Commander of the National Strategic Command portfolio.
Gen Raza also served in the Armoured Corps, complemented by a wide range of command, staff, and institutional appointments across the Pakistan Army.
The appointment is presented as reinforcing the Pakistan Armed Forces’ emphasis on selecting officers for its highest responsibilities based on professional merit, experience, and suitability for the role, security sources said.
“Owing to his experience and competence, he is certainly the best choice for this new HQ, which will act as a pivot in matters of the Strategic Domain,” they added.
