President Asif Ali Zardari has given his approval for General Syed Aamer Raza, Commander of the National Strategic Command, to receive the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military), one of Pakistan’s highest military honours.
The announcement came through a post on X from the President’s Secretariat, confirming that the president had signed off on bestowing the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon Gen Syed Aamer Raza in recognition of his role leading the National Strategic Command.
A Distinguished Military Career
This latest honour adds to a list of accolades General Aamer Raza has already received, including the Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and the Sitara-i-Basalat. His career has also included postings as Corps Commander Lahore and Chairman of Heavy Industries Taxila.
On July 24, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Raza, then serving as Chief of the General Staff of the Pakistan Army, would be promoted to the rank of Four-Star General. Alongside the promotion, the prime minister named him as the new Commander of the National Strategic Command. Sharif congratulated Raza on both milestones and offered his best wishes as he took on the new role.
How the National Strategic Command Role Was Created
The Commander National Strategic Command position was established after parliament passed the Pakistan Army, Air Force and Navy (Amendment) Bills 2025. The same legislation saw Field Marshal Asim Munir appointed Chief of Defence Forces.
This restructuring followed the elimination of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) post, a role last held by General Shamshad Mirza before it was phased out.
Under the amended law, the prime minister holds the authority to select the Commander National Strategic Command from among serving Pakistan Army generals, based on a recommendation from the Chief of Army Staff, who simultaneously serves as Chief of Defence Forces. The position carries a three-year tenure.
With the Nishan-i-Imtiaz Military award now approved, General Aamer Raza’s recognition underscores the significance Pakistan’s leadership has placed on the newly formed National Strategic Command and its inaugural commander.
