Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Commander National Strategic Command General Syed Aamer Raza on Wednesday.
The meeting focused on national security. The two officials also discussed regional and international developments.
General Aamer Raza called on Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dar congratulated him on his promotion and appointment as Commander National Strategic Command (CNSC).
Dar also wished General Aamer Raza success in his new responsibilities.
The officials stressed the importance of close institutional coordination. They agreed that stronger coordination was necessary to protect Pakistan’s national interests.
They also discussed the country’s role in promoting regional peace and security. The meeting comes amid major regional and international developments affecting Pakistan’s security and foreign policy.
According to the Foreign Office, both sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest. They also underlined the need for effective coordination between relevant national institutions.
General Aamer Raza became the first Commander National Strategic Command on July 31. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved his appointment on July 24.
Before taking charge, General Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of four-star general. His appointment followed changes to Pakistan’s higher military command structure.
The changes were introduced through the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The amendment revised the constitutional framework governing the country’s senior military leadership.
It abolished the office of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. It also created the positions of Chief of Defence Forces and Commander National Strategic Command.
The new structure gave the CNSC a specific role within Pakistan’s higher defence command system. The appointment is made by the prime minister on the recommendation of the Chief of Defence Forces and the Chief of Army Staff.
The CNSC is appointed for a three-year term. The prime minister can also reappoint the commander for another three-year term on the recommendation of the CDF.
The constitutional amendment also introduced provisions concerning the appointment and tenure of the CNSC. It states that the appointment, reappointment or extension cannot be challenged before a court.
The amendment further provides specific rules regarding the office holder’s retirement, tenure and removal. Under the new framework, the CNSC continues to serve as a general in the Pakistan Army while carrying out responsibilities associated with the position.
