Gen Raheel Sharif assumes command as Pakistan’s Army Chief

RAWALPINDI: General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani handed over command of the Pakistan Army to new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif.

A change of command ceremony was held at the Army Stadium where General Kayani passed over the baton of command to General Raheel.

Upon his arrival, General Kayani was presented a farewell guard of honour. Prior to passing the baton to his successor, General Kayani addressed the ceremony and thanked the army officers and soldiers for extending their cooperation to him.

He said the Pakistan Army overcame all challenges in a professional manner and never disappointed the nation while dealing with the internal threats or natural calamities. “The biggest sacrifice is that of one’s life and the army has always been ready to lay down their lives for the country throughout history,” he said.

General Kayani paid tribute to the soldiers of the Pakistan army saying they had made unprecedented sacrifices over the last few years.

“There is no place in any part of the country where there is no tomb of our martyrs, but in the last decade there has been a rapid increase in the number of these tombs.”

General Kayani further said that no one can stop us from progressing and attaining a distinctive point at the international level.

He said that everyone has to play a positive role for the development of the country by rising above all sectarian and ethnic differences. “Difficulties are always challenges for nations but we have to find a way to face and solve them.”

General Kayani hoped the new Chief of Army Staff would lead the army to further progress. “I’m confident that in the leadership of General Raheel Sharif the army will gain more progress. I pray may he discharge his duties effectively.”

In his concluding remarks, General Kayani said that even after his retirement, his heart will continue to beat with the Pakistan Army. He, then, wished best of luck to Pakistan, Pakistan Army and all the personnel.

Kayani, known as the ‘quiet general of Pakistani politics,’ has been given much credit for resisting the temptation to meddle in politics despite Pakistan’s frequent security, economic, power and political crises.

Kayani was appointed the army chief by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in 2007 and received an unprecedented three-year extension from premier Yousuf Raza Gilani in 2010. During his six years tenure, he came across formidable challenges.