ISLAMABAD – President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the conferment of the nation’s highest military award, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military), upon General Syed Aamer Raza, the Commander of the National Strategic Command. The decision marks a significant acknowledgment of the general’s extensive and decorated career at the helm of the country’s critical strategic forces.
The announcement was made public by the President’s Secretariat via the social media platform X on Friday. The brief statement confirmed the president’s approval for the honor, which adds to a long list of accolades for the senior military leader.
A Career of Distinguished Service
General Aamer Raza is no stranger to high military distinctions. His record of service already includes the Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and the Sitara-i-Basalat, awards that underscore his bravery and meritorious contributions to the Pakistan Army. The latest honor, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, represents the pinnacle of recognition for his leadership.
This prestigious award follows a major career milestone earlier in July. On July 24, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the promotion of then-Lieutenant General Aamer Raza to the rank of a four-star general. Concurrently, the prime minister appointed him as the Commander of the National Strategic Command, a pivotal role in the nation’s defense architecture.
A New Strategic Command Structure
The position of Commander National Strategic Command is a relatively new but critical one, established following the passage of the Pakistan Army, Air Force and Navy (Amendment) Bills 2025. This legislation restructured the top brass of the armed forces, a move that also saw Field Marshal Asim Munir appointed as the Chief of Defence Forces.
The new command structure was created after the discontinuation of the role of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). General Shamshad Mirza was the final officer to hold that title before it was abolished. Under the amended law, the prime minister holds the authority to appoint the Commander National Strategic Command from serving Pakistan Army generals, based on the recommendation of the Chief of Army Staff, who also serves as the Chief of Defence Forces. The tenure for this critical appointment is set at three years.
Prior to assuming this strategic national role, General Raza held several key positions, demonstrating a breadth of command and administrative experience. His previous assignments include serving as the Corps Commander Lahore and the Chairman of Heavy Industries Taxila, a cornerstone of the country’s defense production.
