General Raheel Sharif honored

ABC News Point, an international news outlet, has released its top 10 list of the best military commander generals in the world with Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif topping the list. It considers the army chiefs for their “decision making, commands, and way to tackle enemies, bravery, and a deep eye on the national and international concerns” in coming up with the list. Army chiefs from Germany, the US, South Korea, Japan, Russia, India, Turkey, China and the UK also made the list. “General Raheel Sharif was declared the best army general in the world because of his wide approach to tackle enemies in and out of country. His various operations to stabilise Pakistan and keep it clean from terrorism are outstanding and admirable,” ABC News Point added. The list concludes by calling him “one of the most respected and well-reputed Chiefs till date”.
A section of media has been trying to stir debate that COAS General Raheel Sharif is running security as well foreign policy of Pakistan; and they criticize the elected government for having given space to military due to its incompetence. If timely decisions were not taken, and a lot of time was wasted in reaching consensus, militants got time to reorganize. By prevailing upon the government to start operation against militants, COAS Raheel Sharif performed his duty. He has the blessings of the elected government in his efforts to assure the US, the West and Afghanistan that Pakistan is sincere in eliminating the scourge of terrorism and would take action against terrorists without discrimination. In fact, nation feels proud on the success of the COAS in debunking the propaganda against Pakistan by removing the cobwebs of misunderstanding and distrust. Continued on page 7
Continued from front page
Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif had visited Afghanistan, the US, UK and China during the last three months, and had fruitful discussions with civil and military leaderships of those countries. A chronology of COAS General Raheel Sharif would be appropriate. On November 14, 2014, Afghan president during his visit to Pakistan visited General Headquarters. The Afghan president and COAS discussed security situation in the region and bilateral relations during their meeting. President Ghani appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to fight terrorism and sacrifices rendered by the nation. President Ghani said: “Afghanistan wants to bolster security and defence ties with Pakistan including cooperation in training and border management.” He also assured of Afghanistan’s support to jointly curb the menace of terrorism. Upon his arrival at the GHQ, the Afghan president was received by COAS General Raheel Sharif and was presented a guard of honour by a contingent of the Pakistan Army.
General Raheel Sharif, during his visit to the United States on November 17, 2014 had met Chairman Joint Chiefs of staff General martin Dempsey. During meetings with officials, the army chief discussed the operation conducted against militants by the Pakistan Army and the success achieved so far. He also met Secretary of state John Kerry, which shows American leadership’s trust in Pakistan Army Chief Raheel Sharif. On November 20, 2014, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif was conferred the US Legion of Merit medal in recognition of his brave leadership, sagacity, vision and efforts for peace and stability in the region. He also reviewed a military parade with gun salute during a guard of honour ceremony presented by the US Army.
On December 17, 2014 Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif had visited Afghanistan and held separate meetings with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and General John F. Campbell, ISAF commander. He informed Afghan president that terrorists that attacked Army Public School Peshawar were in contact with the handlers in Afghanistan. Afghan President assured General Raheel Sharif that Afghan soil would not be allowed for terrorists’ activities against Pakistan, and any signature found in this regard will be eliminated. Afghan government conducted operation against TTP militants in Kunar, and killed and arrested many militants.
On January 15, 2015, during his three day tour of England, the Army chief met a host of high ranking British officials, including Prime Minister David Cameron and National Security Advisor Sir Kim Darroch at 10 Downing Street. The Army chief raised the issue of action against anti-Pakistan elements and proscribed organisations operating from outside Pakistan. Further, he sought support in choking funding to terror groups. General Sharif also held extensive discussions with UK’s Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Nicholas Houghton on regional security, stability, and Afghanistan. The Army chief also held meetings with Permanent Secretary at the Home Office Mark Sedwill and Director General for Security and Counter-Terrorism Charles Farr. Having all said, the nation feels proud for the honors conferred on COAS Raheel Sharif. Of course, the honor bestowed upon him is honor for Pakistan.