PM appoints Gen Aamer Raza as National Strategic Command boss

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has promoted Lieutenant General Syed Aamer Raza, HI(M), SBt, to the rank of four-star general and appointed him as Commander of the National Strategic Command, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister’s Office has said Shehbaz Sharif congratulated General Aamer Raza on his promotion and appointment, wishing him success in carrying out what it described as an important responsibility.

General Aamer Raza was serving as the Chief of the General Staff at the General Headquarters (GHQ), one of the Pakistan Army’s senior operational and planning positions. He has now assumed the role of Commander of the National Strategic Command following his promotion.

The appointment follows changes introduced through the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy (Amendment) Bills, 2025, which created the office of Commander of the National Strategic Command. The legislation also designated Field Marshal Asim Munir as the Chief of Defence Forces.

The post of Commander of the National Strategic Command was established after the abolition of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). General Shamshad Mirza was the last officer to hold the position before the legislative changes took effect.

Under the amended law, the prime minister may appoint the Commander of the National Strategic Command from among serving Pakistan Army generals for a three-year term on the recommendation of the Chief of the Army Staff-Chief of Defence Forces.

Commissioned into the 6 Lancers in 1988, General Aamer Raza is a graduate of the Command and Staff College, Quetta, and the National Defence University, Islamabad. He also holds a master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, as well as Master of Science degrees in Arts and Science of Warfare and Defence and Strategic Studies.

During his military career, he has held a range of command, staff and instructional appointments. These include commanding the 6 Lancers, an Armoured Brigade, an Infantry Brigade in South Waziristan, and an Infantry Division.

He has also served as Commander of Heavy Industries Taxila, Corps Commander Lahore, Director General Weapons and Equipment at GHQ, and Chief of the General Staff. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general on 11 October 2022.