ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif ended on Monday growing speculations about an extension in his tenure through a brief, but sudden statement that paved the way for the government to start
considering his successor who will take up the job from him in about 10 months from now. “I don’t believe in extension and will retire on the due date.” Gen Sharif’s statement, quoted by a military spokesman in a tweet,
shattered the quietness of the slow start to the week. The 43-word statement issued on behalf of the army chief was meant to quash the debate on whether or not the government should give him an extension and if
he would accept it. Coincidentally, the statement came as a petition was filed in Supreme Court’s Lahore
registry seeking an extension for him. It was, however, unusual for an army chief to so early confirm that he would be leaving his office on retirement. Gen Sharif, who became the army chief on Nov 29, 2013, is set to retire on Nov 30 this year after completing three years in office. According to one of the general’s close aides, Gen Sharif never had any intention of getting an extension so he thought of immediately ending all
rumors in this regard. He would be the first army chief to retire on time in two decades. His predecessors Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Gen Pervez Musharraf got extensions, while Gen Jehangir Karamat was sent home prematurely. Gen Sharif used his brief statement to reassure the country that the army was a strong institution and his departure would not affect the fight against extremism and terrorism. “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,” Gen Sharif was quoted as having said.
For more detail Gen Raheel Sharif puts speculations to rest, says will retire on due date
considering his successor who will take up the job from him in about 10 months from now. “I don’t believe in extension and will retire on the due date.” Gen Sharif’s statement, quoted by a military spokesman in a tweet,
shattered the quietness of the slow start to the week. The 43-word statement issued on behalf of the army chief was meant to quash the debate on whether or not the government should give him an extension and if
he would accept it. Coincidentally, the statement came as a petition was filed in Supreme Court’s Lahore
registry seeking an extension for him. It was, however, unusual for an army chief to so early confirm that he would be leaving his office on retirement. Gen Sharif, who became the army chief on Nov 29, 2013, is set to retire on Nov 30 this year after completing three years in office. According to one of the general’s close aides, Gen Sharif never had any intention of getting an extension so he thought of immediately ending all
rumors in this regard. He would be the first army chief to retire on time in two decades. His predecessors Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Gen Pervez Musharraf got extensions, while Gen Jehangir Karamat was sent home prematurely. Gen Sharif used his brief statement to reassure the country that the army was a strong institution and his departure would not affect the fight against extremism and terrorism. “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,” Gen Sharif was quoted as having said.
For more detail Gen Raheel Sharif puts speculations to rest, says will retire on due date
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