General Syed Aamer Raza assumes office as first Commander National Strategic Command, meets CDF Munir
General Syed Aamer Raza has assumed charge as Pakistan’s first Commander National Strategic Command (CNSC) after his promotion to four-star general under the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
RAWALPINDI: General Syed Aamer Raza officially assumed charge as Pakistan’s first Commander National Strategic Command (CNSC) on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the country’s military restructuring introduced under the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Raza was presented with a guard of honour at the General Headquarters (GHQ) after taking over the newly created command.
Following the ceremonial reception, the newly appointed CNSC laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada (Martyrs’ Monument) and paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s martyrs.
Meeting with Field Marshal Asim Munir
Later, General Syed Aamer Raza called on Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at GHQ.
During the meeting, Field Marshal Asim Munir congratulated the newly promoted four-star general on assuming command and extended his best wishes for his new responsibilities.
Appointment Under 27th Constitutional Amendment
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promoted General Syed Aamer Raza to the rank of four-star general and appointed him as the country’s first Commander National Strategic Command on July 24.
His appointment completes the restructuring of Pakistan’s higher military command introduced through the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which significantly amended Article 243 of the Constitution.
The amendment abolished the long-standing office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and replaced it with two new constitutional positions: Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Commander National Strategic Command (CNSC).
It also expanded the constitutional authority of Pakistan’s senior military leadership and introduced constitutional protections for five-star generals.
Tenure and Appointment Process
Under the amended constitutional framework, the Prime Minister appoints the CNSC for a three-year term on the recommendation of the Chief of Defence Forces.
The law empowers the Prime Minister to determine the terms, conditions and service rules governing the office. It also authorises the premier to grant one additional three-year term through reappointment, again based on the recommendation of the CDF.
Appointment Protected from Judicial Review
The legislation further provides that the appointment, reappointment or extension of the Commander National Strategic Command cannot be challenged before any court, placing the office beyond judicial review.
Additionally, the retirement age, tenure limitations and removal provisions contained in the Pakistan Army Act do not apply to the CNSC. The officeholder continues to serve as a general in the Pakistan Army while simultaneously performing the constitutional responsibilities of the Commander National Strategic Command.
