Sahir Shamshad Mirza

Sahir Shamshad Mirza is a retired Pakistani four star-general, who served as the last chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee appointed to the post on 27 November 2022 for a three year term. Prior to this appointment, he commanded the Rawalpindi Northern Command from 2021 to 2022. He was a well decorated officer in the army, being awarded Nishan-e-Imtiaz both civilian and military.

Early life and education Sahir was born to Shamshad Mirza in Mulhal Mughlan, a small village located in Chakwal District, Punjab. Sahir was orphaned at a young age. He graduated from the Pakistan Military Academy, Command and Staff College, Quetta and National Defence University, Pakistan. He also received his M.Sc. degree in Global Security from Cranfield University, United Kingdom. During his assignment at Military Operations, he commanded 40th Infantry Division in Okara.

Political views Regional stability and strategic balance Sahir had consistently advocated for strategic stability in South Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, he emphasized that enduring peace requires trust, mutual recognition of red lines, and inclusive crisis management mechanisms. He warned that attempts to build regional security architectures without trust or equal participation are inherently flawed.

Kashmir dispute Highlighting the fragile security environment in South Asia, Sahir identified unresolved disputes such as Kashmir, deteriorating India-Pakistan-China relations, and Afghanistan’s instability as major flashpoints. He cautioned that the nuclearization of the region has heightened the risk of miscalculation, and called for the restoration of functional communication channels between rival states.

He reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing position on Kashmir, advocating for a resolution aligned with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri people.

Awards and honours On 8 December 2022, Sahir received the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (military) award alongside COAS Asim Munir from Arif Alvi at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. The top military officials were given the awards in front of Prime Minister of Pakistan, diplomats, lawmakers, and federal ministers.

Publications Lieutenant Colonel Sahir Shamshad Mirza, “Subcontinental Security and Its Impact on World Security: Challenges and the Way Forward”, NDU Journal, 2009.

Effective dates of promotion

Awards and decorations

Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military)

(Order of Excellence)

(2022)Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Civilian)

(Order of Excellence)

(2025)Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military)

(Crescent of Excellence)

(2018)Tamgha-e-Diffa

(General Service Medal)

Siachen Glacier ClaspTamgha-e-Baqa (Nuclear Test Medal)

1998Tamgha-e-Istaqlal Pakistan (Escalation with India Medal)

2002Tamgha-e-Azm (Medal of Conviction)

(Democracy Medal)

1988Qarardad-e-Pakistan Tamgha (Resolution Day Nishan e Haider Golden Jubilee Medal)

1990Tamgha-e-Salgirah Pakistan (Independence Day

Golden Jubilee Medal)

1997Command & Staff College Quetta Instructor's MedalUnited Nations UNOMSIL Medal

(2 Deployments)The Order of Bahrain 2nd Class

(Bahrain)

(2021)Order of the Star of Jordan

(1st class)

(Jordan)

(2023)Order of King Abdul Aziz (1st Class)

(Saudi Arabia)

(2025)

Foreign decorations Foreign AwardsUNOMSIL MedalThe Order of Bahrain (2nd Class) Order of the Star of Jordan (1st Class) Order of King Abdul Aziz (1st Class)