ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the conferment of Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on Commander National Strategic Command General Syed Aamer Raza, recognising his services and contributions during his military career.
The approval comes a week after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promoted then Lieutenant General Aamer Raza to the rank of four-star general and appointed him as Commander National Strategic Command.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, General Aamer Raza was elevated to the new rank in recognition of his professional services. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated him on his promotion and expressed confidence in his ability to perform his new responsibilities effectively.
General Aamer Raza was commissioned into the Pakistan Army in 1988. He is a graduate of 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.
During his military career, General Aamer Raza has served at several important positions, including Commander IV Corps, Chairman Heavy Industries Taxila and Chief of General Staff at General Headquarters, a position he assumed in January 2025.
The office of Commander National Strategic Command was established under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which introduced major changes to Pakistan’s military command structure.
Under the new framework, the Commander National Strategic Command has assumed responsibilities related to strategic assets and nuclear management, a role previously associated with the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
The appointment of the Commander National Strategic Command is made on the recommendation of the Chief of Defence Forces, a position also created under the 27th Constitutional Amendment to establish a unified military command system.
The Pakistan Army Act further states that decisions regarding the appointment, reappointment or extension of the Commander National Strategic Command cannot be challenged before any court.