The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif has announced that he will retire on due date, ending media speculation regarding an extension in his services term. In a twitter message, Army Spokesman, Lieutenant-General Asim Saleem Bajwa stated, "Speculations about extension in service of COAS are baseless".
Spokesman in a series of tweets quoted General Raheel as saying, "Pakistan Army is a great institution. I don't believe in extension and will retire on the due date."
Army Chief further stated that efforts to root out terrorism will continue with full vigour and resolve. Pakistan's national interest is supreme and will be safeguarded at all costs.
General Sharif is due to retire from his post on November 29, 2016. On November 27, 2013, the government approved his appointment for the post, a position that he took over from Ashfaq Parvez Kayani who stepped down on November 29, 2013 after enjoying a three-year extension in his three-year tenure.
There were unconfirmed reports that the federal government would support the proposal of extending army chief's tenure which could be from three to four years. Former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf (retd) had also called for an extension in his tenure.
Tenure extension idea is a continuation of former military General Pervez Musharraf who extended himself from 2001 to 2008 as well as General Kayani, who was given an extension in his normal tenure and he ended up serving in the role for six years.
In a handout of All Pakistan Muslim League, General Pervez Musharraf (retd) expressed his disappointment over General Raheel's decision to retirement on due date; however, it is his own prerogative what he has to do, he said.
Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan in a twitter message hailed the decision of the General Raheel and stated, "General Sharif's statement will strengthen the institution of the army and nations are building on strong institutions".
Imran Khan further said the nation's respect for General Raheel Sharif has gone up after his statement that he would not seek an extension.
General Raheel Sharif appointed as 15th Chief of Army of Staff of Pakistan Army by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was earning public appreciation for his initiation of successful operation Zarb-e-Azb. The Zarb-e- Azb was launched against terrorists and their sanctuaries in Karachi and FATA and has put militants on the back foot.
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