ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced the promotion of Lieutenant General Aamer Raza to four-star general and appointed him as Pakistan’s first Commander National Strategic Command (CNSC). Prior to this elevation, General Raza served as Chief of General Staff of the Pakistan Army.
The Prime Minister extended his congratulations to the newly promoted general during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, wishing him success in leading the country’s strategic deterrence efforts. General Raza is a highly decorated officer who has previously been awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-i-Basalat.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced the promotion of Lieutenant General Aamer Raza, HI(M), SBt, Chief of the General Staff of Pakistan Army, to the rank of “Four-Star General” and his appointment as “Commander National Strategic Command”.
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The Restructured Command Hierarchy
The appointment signals the operational activation of the restructured military command framework introduced under the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)
At the top of the new structure is the Chief of Defence Forces, a position created to establish unified command across the army, navy, and air force. Field Marshal Asim Munir, who also serves as Chief of Army Staff, was appointed as the country’s first CDF following the amendment’s passage.
Commander National Strategic Command (CNSC)
The newly created CNSC position replaces the nuclear management responsibilities previously held by the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), an office that has now been formally abolished. As head of the National Strategic Command, the CNSC holds direct operational oversight of the country’s strategic forces and nuclear assets.
Selection and Immunity Framework
Under the revised legal framework, appointments, reappointments, or extensions in the CNSC role are made solely on the formal recommendation of the Chief of Defence Forces. The constitutional amendment also grants these decisions immunity from judicial review, stating that the exercise of executive discretion regarding the CNSC cannot be challenged in any court on any grounds.
