RAWALPINDI: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza said on Wednesday that strong national defence remains an essential pillar of Pakistan’s security, as he delivered his farewell address ahead of retirement on November 27.
He made the remarks at a ceremony held at the Joint Staff Headquarters, where senior officers and former CJCSCs gathered to bid him farewell after four decades of military service.
The Inter-Services Public Relations said the outgoing CJCSC thanked Allah for giving him the strength to discharge his responsibilities with professionalism and commitment. He paid tribute to the armed forces for what he described as their unwavering sacrifices in defending the country, and also honoured the martyrs and their families.
General Mirza said the country’s defence remains impregnable and noted that officers and soldiers stand ready to further strengthen it. A tri-services contingent presented him with a guard of honour upon his arrival at the headquarters.
On Tuesday, he visited Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters. According to ISPR, the field marshal praised General Mirza’s leadership, strategic vision, and long service to the Pakistan Armed Forces.
General Mirza will be the last to hold the office of CJCSC, which will cease to exist after his retirement under the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The field marshal will take over as Chief of Defence Forces under the revised structure.
