Pakistan's highest civilian award has been conferred on the officer now steering the country's newly unified strategic forces command, a move that formalizes his role in the military's restructured top tier. President Asif Ali Zardari approved the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) for Commander National Strategic Command (CNSC) General Syed Aamer Raza, according to a statement from the President's Secretariat posted on social media platform X. Main Developments General Raza's appointment as the first CNSC was confirmed last week when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promoted him from lieutenant general to four-star rank. The new office, established under the 27th Constitutional Amendment enacted in November last year, consolidates the Army, Navy, and Air Force strategic commands under a single operational headquarters. Prior to this elevation, General Raza served as Chief of General Staff, the army's principal operational post, where he oversaw implementation of organisational changes required by the amendment and restructuring following last year's conflict with India, including the creation of the Army Rocket Force Command. The National Command Authority, chaired by the prime minister, retains ultimate authority over nuclear policy and employment. Read also: Chakwal prayer leader arrested after self-inflicted gunshot during escape Background The 27th Constitutional Amendment fundamentally altered Pakistan's higher defence architecture by abolishing the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and creating the Chief of Defence Forces position, held concurrently by the Army Chief. Field Marshal Asim Munir became the first Chief of Defence Forces under these changes. General Raza's career spans command of an armoured regiment, an armoured brigade, an infantry brigade in South Waziristan, an infantry division, and Lahore's IV Corps. He also led Heavy Industries Taxila, served as Director General Weapons and Equipment, and was Chief of Staff at II Corps. A cavalry officer commissioned into the 6th Lancers in 1988, he previously received the Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-i-Basalat (Star of Valour). Why It Matters The CNSC role represents a central pillar of Pakistan's military restructuring, designed to enhance operational integration of strategic forces. General Raza's appointment, with the president's honor, signals continuity in the new command framework. His background in weapons development and operational roles positions him to manage the complex integration of nuclear-capable assets across services. At the time of his promotion, General Raza ranked eighth on the army's seniority list of lieutenant generals, indicating the strategic importance of his selection over more senior officers. The CNSC serves a three-year term, appointed by the prime minister on the recommendation of the Chief of Defence Forces. What's Next The formal conferral of the Nishan-i-Imtiaz will likely occur at an official ceremony, though no date has been announced. General Raza's immediate priorities will include overseeing the operational integration of strategic commands and implementing further restructuring measures. Observers will watch for additional appointments under the amended Army Act as the military continues adapting to its new command structure.