PM meets Gen Mirza as final CJCSC bows out

WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday held a farewell meeting with outgoing Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza at the Prime Minister’s Office, praising the senior military leader for his service and professionalism.

According to the PM Office, Shehbaz commended Gen Mirza’s contributions to national security and his role in strengthening coordination among the armed forces. Gen Mirza is set to retire on November 27 after completing his tenure as the country’s 18th, and final, CJCSC.

Under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, the position of CJCSC will not be filled after Gen Mirza’s retirement, marking the end of a role first created in 1976. The inaugural chairman was General Mohammad Sharif, appointed by then prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Over the decades, the post was largely dominated by the army, with only two naval officers, Admiral Mohammad Sharif and Admiral Iftikhar Ahmed Sirohey, and one air force officer, Air Chief Marshal Farooq Feroze Khan, having served in the position.

Gen Mirza, who has previously warned that unresolved disputes in South Asia could escalate rapidly, will conclude nearly five decades of tradition when he steps down later this week.