Pakistan is set to abolish the prestigious office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) this week, a landmark overhaul of its military command that coincides with the retirement of the position’s final occupant, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza.
General Mirza, the 18th and last officer to hold the top tri-services post, paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday ahead of his departure on November 27. The Prime Minister commended the outgoing general’s professional competence and acknowledged his significant contributions to the nation’s armed forces.
The General’s retirement marks the end of his constitutionally mandated three-year term, which began on November 27, 2022. Officials confirmed his departure is also aligned with him reaching the age of superannuation for a four-star general.
This historic shift in Pakistan’s defence organization is being enacted through the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which formally dissolves the CJCSC office. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar had previously confirmed to parliament that no new appointment would be made for the post following the conclusion of General Mirza’s tenure.
In its place, the amendment establishes a new unified command framework. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), currently Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, will assume the additional title and responsibilities of Chief of Defence Forces, consolidating oversight of the army, navy, and air force.
Under the new arrangement, the heads of the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy will also adopt the new titles of Marshal of the Air Force and Marshal of the Naval Force, respectively.
According to the government, the strategic restructuring is intended to streamline higher defence management. The objective is to centralize strategic decision-making and align operational authority more clearly under a single, unified defence leadership model.
Leading up to his retirement, General Mirza has been conducting a traditional series of farewell visits to key military formations and headquarters, including the Naval Headquarters, to mark the conclusion of his distinguished service.