PM promotes Gen Aamer Raza, appoints him Commander National Strategic Command

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday elevated Lieutenant General Aamer Raza to the rank of four-star general and named him Commander National Strategic Command, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The PMO said Aamer Raza had been serving as chief of the general staff of the Pakistan Army before the promotion. The prime minister congratulated the newly promoted general on both the elevation in rank and the new assignment, and wished him well in carrying out what it described as an important responsibility.

Post created under constitutional changes

The office of Commander National Strategic Command was introduced through the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which altered Article 243. Under those changes, the long-standing post of chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee was removed, while the offices of Chief of Defence Forces and Commander National Strategic Command were established.

The amendment also broadened the constitutional authority of the country’s top military leadership and created constitutional protections for five-star generals. Under the same framework, the prime minister appoints the Commander National Strategic Command on the recommendation of the chief of army staff and the Chief of Defence Forces.

Term and legal provisions

The appointment is made for three years. The prime minister is also empowered to set the terms, conditions and rules governing the office.

The amendment further allows one reappointment for an additional three-year term, again on the recommendation of the Chief of Defence Forces. It also states that the appointment, reappointment or extension of the Commander National Strategic Command cannot be challenged in any court, placing such decisions outside judicial review.

The legal changes additionally specify that retirement age, service tenure and removal provisions under the Army Act do not apply to the holder of this office. While serving in the role, the Commander National Strategic Command continues to hold the rank of general in the Pakistan Army.

Earlier appointment under the same amendment

The 27th amendment had also led to the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Forces. On December 4, Field Marshal Asim Munir was appointed as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces. He has been serving simultaneously as chief of army staff and Chief of Defence Forces, a combination described as an unusual distinction in Pakistan’s military structure.