President Asif Zardari presented the Nishan‑e‑Imtiaz, Pakistan’s highest civil honour, to General Syed Amir Raza, the commander of the National Strategic Command (NSC), on 11 August 2026 in a ceremony held at the presidential palace in Islamabad. The award, which recognises exceptional service to the nation, was conferred in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, the Senate Chairman, several federal ministers and senior civil‑service officials.
General Raza, who has been at the helm of Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence forces since his appointment in 2024, was lauded for his leadership and unwavering dedication to national security. In his acceptance speech, he highlighted the importance of maintaining a credible deterrent in a volatile regional environment and pledged to continue strengthening the operational readiness of the NSC.
President Zardari, in his address, underscored the strategic significance of the NSC’s role in safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty. He praised General Raza’s stewardship of the command’s nuclear assets and commended the disciplined professionalism of the forces under his command. “The security of our nation rests on the shoulders of leaders like General Raza,” the President said, adding that the award reflects the state’s gratitude for his service.
The ceremony also served as a reminder of Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining a robust deterrence posture amid growing geopolitical tensions in South Asia. By honouring the commander of the nuclear triad, the government signals its resolve to uphold national defence capabilities and reassure the public of the country’s preparedness against external threats.
The conferment of the Nishan‑e‑Imtiaz to General Raza is expected to boost morale within the armed forces and reinforce the perception of a stable and capable military leadership. It also highlights the government’s focus on strengthening strategic command structures, a priority that resonates with policymakers and defence analysts alike.