Pakistan names Gen Aamer Raza as first Strategic Commander

Pakistan's government appointed General Syed Aamer Raza as the country's first Commander of the National Strategic Command on Friday, July 24, 2026, a key step in finalizing a sweeping military restructuring initiated by a constitutional amendment last year. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promoted Raza from lieutenant general to four-star general and appointed him to the newly created office.

The position was established by the 27th Constitutional Amendment enacted in November 2025, which overhauled Pakistan's higher defense architecture. The amendment abolished the office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and created the new position of chief of defence forces, a role concurrently held by the army chief. Field Marshal Asim Munir became the first chief of defence forces under this new system.

The Commander of the National Strategic Command will oversee the operational integration of Pakistan's strategic forces, bringing the army, navy, and air force strategic commands under a single command structure. The ultimate authority over nuclear policy and employment, however, remains with the civilian-led National Command Authority, chaired by the prime minister. Officials...