Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, marking the conclusion of his historic tenure.
According to a statement issued by the PM House Media Wing, the prime minister lauded the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by General Mirza throughout his service to the country. He commended the general’s vision, leadership, and commitment, noting that these qualities would be remembered as exemplary.
General Mirza is set to retire on November 27, 2025, completing three years in the position. He will serve as the 18th and final Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, as the post is being abolished under the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
No successor will be appointed, marking the end of a key chapter in Pakistan’s military leadership structure. The longest-serving chairman was the late General Iqbal Khan, who held the office for three years and 344 days.
Pakistan’s first chairman was General Muhammad Sharif, appointed on March 1, 1976, by then-Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Historically, only two Navy officers—Admiral Muhammad Sharif and Admiral Iftikhar Ahmed Sirohey—and one Air Force officer, Air Chief Marshal Farooq Feroze Khan, have served in this position.
The abolition of the chairman’s post will give way to the newly established position of “Chief of Defence Forces,” which will be assumed by Field Marshal General Asim Munir. This restructuring is seen as a significant step in modernizing the command hierarchy of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
General Mirza’s farewell marks the end of an era, reflecting both the historic legacy of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the transition toward a new military leadership framework.
During his tenure, General Mirza oversaw key strategic initiatives and fostered collaboration across the armed services, leaving a lasting impact on Pakistan’s military leadership and operational effectiveness. His contributions will be remembered as a capstone to the longstanding institution he led.
