Lieutenant General Amir Raza Promoted to Four-Star General, Appointed Commander National Strategic Command
Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the promotion of Lieutenant General Amir Raza to the rank of four-star General and appointed him as Commander National Strategic Command, entrusting him with one of the country’s most significant strategic responsibilities.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Lieutenant General Amir Raza, Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-i-Basalat, who has been serving as Chief of General Staff at the General Headquarters (GHQ), has been elevated to the rank of General and appointed Commander National Strategic Command.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated General Amir Raza on his promotion and new appointment, expressing confidence that he will discharge his important national responsibilities with distinction, professionalism, and dedication.
A Distinguished Military Career
General Amir 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.
He was appointed Chief of General Staff at GHQ in January 2025 and has previously served as Commander IV Corps and Chairman of Heavy Industries Taxila, among other key military assignments during his distinguished career.
Islamabad, 24 July 2026.
Prime Minister 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… pic.twitter.com/U1Qk2K5nsl
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 24, 2026
Significance of the Commander National Strategic Command Post
The position of Commander National Strategic Command was created under the 27th Constitutional Amendment introduced last year as part of significant changes to the military’s chain of command. Under the amendment, the office assumed the role of nuclear manager that was previously held by the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), a position that ceased to perform that function on November 27, 2025.
The office is regarded as one of the most important appointments concerning Pakistan’s strategic capabilities and national defence policy.
Under the constitutional amendment, the appointment, reappointment, and extension in the tenure of the Commander National Strategic Command are made on the recommendation of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). The post of Chief of Defence Forces was also established under the same amendment to create a unified command structure for the country’s armed forces.
Following the passage of the amendment, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who had been serving as Chief of Army Staff, was appointed as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces.
The Pakistan Army Act further stipulates that the appointment, reappointment, or extension of tenure of the Commander National Strategic Command, as well as the exercise of powers by the appointing authority in this regard, shall not be challenged before any court on any grounds.
