New Selected Pakistani Army Chief Faces hard task
General Raheel Sharif assumed the command of Pakistan Army in November 2013 which was selected by Prime Minister Mr. Nawaz Sharif . General RAheel Sharif replaced General Ashfaq Pervez Kiani who left a legacy of keeping the military out of domestic politics and strengthening democratic process in the country.
The appointment of General Raheel has come at a time when there is a widespread criticism of US drone strikes across the country and as the US preparess to draw down its forces in neighboring Afghanistan by the end of next year.
Prime ministry Nawaz Sharif ignored seniority criteria in appointing General Sharif as army chief Lt. General haroon Aslam and Gen. Rashad. Mr. Nawaz Sharif who took the premiership in May for the third time had not been on good terms with the military establishment during his previous two governments.
General Raheel sharif belongs to a family of martyrs. He is the younger grother of Major Shabeer Sharif Shaheed, who received the country highest military award Nishan-e-Hidar in 1971 war against India. He is a close relative and friend of Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed also a recipients of a Nishan-e-Hider award. General Sharif has vast experience of command, staff and instructional appointments.
At last I would like to say that General Raheel Sharif must keep in mind his primary duty to keep the country safe, and there can be no doubt that the Taliban and affiliated outfits are out to cause harm to it. General Sharif is expected to follow the same path.
