Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Commander National Strategic Command (CNSC) General Syed Aamer Raza on Wednesday underscored the importance of close institutional coordination to advance Pakistan’s national interests and contribute to regional peace and security.
According to the Foreign Office, General Raza called on Mr Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the deputy prime minister congratulated him on his promotion and appointment as the first commander of the National Strategic Command and wished him success in his new responsibilities.
The two sides discussed matters relating to national security and exchanged views on regional and international developments, the FO said.
“They agreed on the importance of close institutional coordination in advancing Pakistan’s national interests and contributing to regional peace and security,” the Foreign Office statement added. General Raza assumed charge as the first CNSC on July 31 after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promoted him to the rank of four-star general and appointed him to the newly created position on July 24. His appointment followed the restructuring of the country’s higher military command under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which amended Article 243 and abolished the office of Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
The constitutional changes created the posts of Chief of Defence Forces and Commander National Strategic Command, while also expanding the constitutional framework governing the country’s senior military leadership.
Under the new arrangement, the CNSC is appointed by the prime minister on the recommendation of the Chief of Defence Forces and the Chief of Army Staff for a three-year term.
