Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has named General Aamer Raza as the new Commander National Strategic Command, elevating him from his former post as Chief of the General Staff of the Pakistan Army. The appointment comes alongside his promotion to the rank of four-star general.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier formally promoted Gen Raza from Lieutenant General to “Four-Star General” while simultaneously handing him the newly created command.
A Newly Created Four-Star Post
The PM Office quoted Shehbaz Sharif as congratulating General Raza, HI(M), SBt, on both his promotion and his appointment, and wishing him success as he takes on the responsibility.
The Commander National Strategic Command position did not exist before the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy (Amendment) Bills 2025 were passed. That same legislation elevated Field Marshal Asim Munir to the newly established role of Chief of Defence Forces.
The National Strategic Command post replaces the office of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), which was abolished under the reforms. General Shamshad Mirza had been the last officer to serve as CJCSC before the post was scrapped.
Three-Year Term, Army-Recommended Appointment
Under the amended law, the prime minister has the authority to appoint the Commander National Strategic Command from among serving Pakistan Army generals, for a term of three years. The selection is made on the recommendation of the Chief of the Army Staff, who also holds the title of Chief of Defence Forces.
With this appointment, Gen Aamer Raza becomes the first officer to hold the post of Commander National Strategic Command, marking a significant shift in Pakistan’s senior military command structure.