President hosts farewell reception of COAS

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Friday hosted a farewell reception of Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif at the Presidency.

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Naval Chief Admiral Zaka Ullah, Prime Minister’s Advisor on National Security Nasir Janjua and federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Abdul Qadir Baloch and Rana Tanvir among others also attended the reception.

President Mamnoon Hussain on the occasion said that outgoing  General Raheel Sharif played a key role to bring peace to the country by effectively dealing with the menace of terrorism.

The President said Operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorism carried out under the leadership of Army Chief General Raheel Sharif is a golden chapter in the history of Pakistan. He said the targeted actions in Karachi, Balochistan, and other parts of the country have also proved quite effective in restoring peace to the country.

The President said the Army Chief has assured him that the ongoing operations against terrorists and criminals will continue until the desired objectives are met.

Mamnoon Hussain said General Raheel Sharif has earned great respect for his services for the country; and hopefully, he will continue playing his useful role for the betterment of the country. He said the traditions set by General Raheel Sharif need to be followed by other servicemen.

On Thursday, a farewell reception for Gen Raheel was also hosted by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House.

On the occasion, Nawaz Sharif while paying tribute to COAS said that Gen Raheel Sharif proved without a shadow of a doubt that he is one of the finest military leaders of this generation.

The premier said that under the leadership of General Raheel Sharif, the army not only confronted external threats but also the menace of terrorism.

Nawaz Sharif said that General Raheel successfully established the writ of the state and reclaimed every inch of Pakistan’s territory.