According to a statement from the military’s media wing, a special ceremony was held at Joint Staff Headquarters on Wednesday to say goodbye to General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, the nation’s final Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), who has served for 40 years.
As a result of the recent 27th Constitutional Amendment, Gen. Mirza’s term as CJCSC will expire on November 27 (tomorrow). In recent days, he has made goodbye visits to military and civilian officials.
A contingent made up of employees from the three services gave a guard of honour to the departing CJCSC, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Senior military officers from the army, navy, and air force as well as past CJCSCs attended the occasion.
The statement said, “In his address, the outgoing CJCSC expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty for granting him the strength to perform his duties with dedication, professionalism, and selfless devotion.” He also honoured the military and martyrs for their efforts.
The ISPR stated, “He (Gen Mirza) emphasised that a robust national defence is a crucial pillar of national security in the current geostrategic environment and reaffirmed that the nation’s defence remains impregnable and our valiant officers and soldiers stand ever-ready to make it even more formidable.”
Elimination of the CJCSC office
Article 243 of the Constitution was amended earlier this month, and the laws controlling the Army, Air Force, and Navy were subsequently modified, restructuring the national security organisation.
The CJCSC office, a tri-service position intended to preserve institutional balance and coordination throughout the armed services, was likewise eliminated by the Act.
Nearly fifty years of joint-service representation in military decision-making will officially end on November 27 with the dissolution of the chairman’s office, at least during times of war.