Lt gen raheel sharif biography of donald

He has also developed training manuals for counter-insurgency operations, an area which was not previously part of the traditional military training courses.

Gen Sharif, 57, has put many of these manuals into practice during his time at the PMA, introducing training courses in low-intensity warfare for army recruits.

During his time as the Gujranwala corps commander he introduced field exercises that focused on counter-terrorism operations.

Many believe that his role in "orchestrating" the new military thinking in the Pakistan army will enable him to cope with the forthcoming challenges more effectively.

But there are others who think his choice may not have been based purely on merit.

Some army circles say that he may have been recommended to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif by Abdul Qadir Baloch, a retired army general and now a minister in Mr Sharif's cabinet.

Gen Baloch was a superior of Gen Sharif during his time in the army, and is known to have a liking for him.

In a recent conversation with Prime Minister Sharif, Gen Baloch is understood to have told him that he trusted Gen Sharif "more than his own children".

Other officers think Gen Sharif's family connections with Prime Minister Sharif may have influenced the decision.

But there is no doubting Gen Sharif's military credentials - he comes from a family of soldiers.

His father, Mohammad Sharif, retired as an army major while his brother, Maj Shabbir Sharif, was decorated with the country's highest military award for bravery, Nishan-e-Haider, after he died in action in the 1971 war with India.

Many say that his father had a close relationship with Prime Minister Sharif's father, Mohammad Sharif.

Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant-General Asim Bajwa on Monday rubbished rumours regarding an extension in General Raheel Sharif's tenure as Chief of Army Staff, quoting the Army chief as saying he will "retire on the due date" in November this year.

Speculation had been rife regarding an extension in the COAS' term after former military ruler Musharraf called for an extension in his tenure, warning against a change in the military leadership.

"What he is doing right now, it needs continuity and if there is any change in the leadership amidst this all, all good work which has been done so far would go to waste," Musharraf earlier said.

Bajwa in a series of tweets quoted the Army Chief as saying, "Pakistan Army is a great institution. I don't believe in extension and will retire on the due date."

"Speculations are baseless," the COAS said, adding, "Efforts to root out terrorism will continue with full vigour and resolve."

The announcement was lauded by a number of lawmakers and leaders belonging to various political parties.

Read: COAS Raheel Sharif made 'mediator' to end political crisis

The post of Army chief is inarguably the most powerful in Pakistan. On Nov 27, 2013, the government approved Sharif’s appointment for the post, a position that he took over from Ashfaq Parvez Kayani who stepped down on Nov 29, 2013.

Former army chief, Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, served as military chief for six years after rules were relaxed to grant him an extension in July 2010 by the PPP-led coalition government in what then prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said was in the interest of continuity at a time when the war on terror was ongoing against elements who wanted to impose a system of their choice on the country.

Profile: Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif

Born in Quetta on June 16, 1956 to Major and Mrs Muhammad Sharif, Army chief Gen Raheel Sharif grew up ste

Lieutenant-General Raheel Sharif’s ascent to Pakistan’s top military job is something of a surprise.

It was widely understood the outgoing chief, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, wanted the more senior Lieutenant-General Rashid Mahmood to take the post. Instead, Mahmood – a close confidant of Kayani – was given the role of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, a technically superior but largely ceremonial role.

Raheel Sharif is a career infantry soldier and the military’s third most senior officer. Little else is known about him apart from the fact his brother was one of the army’s most decorated soldiers and was killed in the 1971 war with India.

He is also believed to be close to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s family but is not a relative. Talat Masood, a retired major-general, says Sharif’s appointment could reinvigorate the country’s military. 

“Every commander is different.  He will bring in a different atmosphere and a different way of working,” Masood says. “Some of the old policies will likely continue, but his way of working will be different.”

Raheel Sharif’s reputation as a professional soldier with no obvious political ambitions possibly played a major factor in his selection by Nawaz Sharif.

Difficult experiences

Nawaz Sharif, who served as prime minister twice before, has had difficult experiences with appointing army chiefs.

During his second term in office, he appointed General Pervez Musharraf.

But Musharraf overthrew his government in a coup in 1999, resulting in nine years of military rule – something Masood says Nawaz Sharif is keen to prevent from happening again.

“I think he wanted to be absolutely certain and extremely confident the next person chosen as chief of army staff would not destabilize the civilian government and try to restore the civil-military balance which has always been in favour of the military,” Masood says.

“And I think he wanted to be able to assert himself over

Born in Quetta on June 16, 1956 to Major and Mrs Muhammad Sharif, newly-appointed army chief Raheel Sharif grew up steeped in the military tradition.

Sharif’s elder brother, Shabbir Sharif, was a course-mate of General (rtd) Pervez Musharraf, and was killed during the 1971 war with India and was awarded the Nishan-i-Haider, Pakistan's highest military award.

He attained his formal education at Government College Lahore and later went on to attend the Pakistan Military Academy.

After graduation, he was commissioned in 1976 in the battle hardened and renowned 6th battalion The Frontier Force Regiment in which his elder brother was also commissioned.

As a young officer, he performed his duties in Gilgit in an infantry brigade and also served as adjutant of Pakistan Military Academy.

Over the years, Sharif climbed up the military ladder mentored by Musharraf who handed him command of the 11th Infantry Division in Lahore.

Despite the common surname, Raheel Sharif is not related to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, but is known to be close to tribal affairs minister Lieutenant-General Abdul Qadir Baloch, a key confidante of the Sharif family.

As a brigadier, he has commanded two infantry brigades including an independent infantry brigade group.

He has been the General Officer Commanding of an infantry division and the Commandant of the prestigious Pakistan Military Academy.

As a Lieutenant General, Sharif served as Corps Commander for two years before taking over as Inspector General Training and Evaluation in which capacity he oversaw the training of Pakistan Army.

He was also awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, the second highest civilian award and honour that is given to both civilians and military officers of the Pakistan armed forces.

On Nov 27, the government approved Sharif’s appointment for the slot of Chief of Army Staff, a position that he will be taking over from Ashfaq Parvez Kayani who will be stepping down on Nov 29 after serving as military chief for