ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Asif Ali Zardari approved the conferment of Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on General Syed Aamer Raza, commander of the National Strategic Command, on July 31.
The President’s Secretariat announced the decision on Friday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promoted Raza from lieutenant general to four-star general on July 24. He also appointed him to lead the National Strategic Command.
The official government announcement identified Raza as the Pakistan Army’s chief of the general staff before his promotion.
Read: 27th Constitutional Amendment Proposed Military Command Changes in Pakistan
General Raza has previously received the Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-i-Basalat, according to the military’s media wing.
Pakistan created the strategic command position through the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The changes also abolished the office of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee from November 27, 2025.
Under Article 243 of the Constitution, the prime minister appoints the commander from the Pakistan Army on the recommendation of the army chief, who concurrently serves as the Chief of Defence Forces.
Read: General Aamer Raza Appointed National Strategic Commander
The Pakistan Army Amendment Act 2025 sets a three-year term. It also permits reappointment or an extension on the Chief of Defence Forces’ recommendation.
