FM Dar, CNSC Aamer Raza stress 'close institutional coordination' on national security

The two discuss matters of national security and exchanged views on regional and international developments

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Commander National Strategic Command (CNSC) General Syed Aamer Raza agreed on the importance of "close institutional coordination" in advancing Pakistan’s national interests and contributing to regional peace and security, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Wednesday.

According to an FO statement, General Raza called on Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the deputy prime minister congratulated him on his promotion and appointment as CNSC and wished him success in his new responsibilities.

"The two officials discussed matters of national security and exchanged views on regional and international developments. They agreed on the importance of close institutional coordination in advancing Pakistan’s national interests and contributing to regional peace and security,” the statement said.

Commander National Strategic Command General Syed Aamer Raza, NI (M), called on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.

The DPM/FM congratulated General Syed Aamer Raza on his promotion and… pic.twitter.com/zcSMmrNXd6

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 7, 2026

General Raza took charge as the first CNSC on July 31, after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promoted him to the rank of a four-star general and appointed him as CNSC on July 24, a move completing the restructuring of the country’s higher military command initiated under the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

The position was created under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which rewrote Article 243. The amendment abolished the longstanding office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and established the posts of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and CNSC. It also expanded the constitutional powers of the country's senior military leadership and introduced constitutional protections for five-star generals.

Read: PM Shehbaz appoints General Aamer Raza as Commander National Strategic Command

Under the amendment, the prime minister appoints the CNSC on the recommendation of the CDF and Chief of Army Staff. The appointment is for a three-year term, while the prime minister is authorised to determine the terms, conditions and rules governing the office.

The amendment also allows the prime minister to reappoint the CNSC for one additional three-year term on the recommendation of the CDF.

It further provides that the appointment, reappointment or extension of the CNSC cannot be challenged before any court, placing such decisions beyond judicial review. The bill also stipulates that the retirement age, service tenure, or removal clauses under the Army Act will not apply to the CNSC, who will continue to serve as a general in the Pakistan Army while performing his duties in the role.