Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza has retired from service, concluding a 40-year distinguished military career.

His retirement coincides with the abolition of the CJCSC position under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which was recently passed by Parliament.

Under the amendment, the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee has been dissolved, and the Chief of Army Staff will now also serve as the Chief of Defence Forces.

General Sahir Shamshad Mirza stepped down after completing a three-year tenure as CJCSC.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee served as an inter-services forum responsible for promoting coordination and cooperation among Pakistan’s three armed forces.

Farewell address

Speaking at a farewell ceremony held in his honour at the Joint Staff Headquarters, General Mirza said the world was changing at an “unimaginable pace”, with profound implications for Pakistan’s internal and external challenges.

“These effects range from hybrid confrontation to conventional warfare,” he said.

“In such circumstances, our armed forces must remain prepared with greater harmony, joint cooperation and clarity of purpose.”

He emphasised that coordination, joint strategy and cooperation among the armed forces were not merely aspirations but essential needs.