When he took over as army chief, the country was prone to terrorist attacks from all sides and Pakistani society was on the verge of collapse.
He launched Operation Zarb-i-Azb to destroy the terrorists`safe havens.The attack on the Army Public School, Peshawar, on Dec 16, 2014, enraged the nation and proved to be the turning point.
It strengthened the Pakistan army and law enforcement agencies and had the full backing of the people.
The general succeeded in bringing peace to Karachi by launching a crackdown on target killers and the private militias of some political parties who had run amok in the metropolis. During his high-level foreign visits, he also highlighted India`s designs along the LoC and New Delhi`s support to terrorists waging war against Pakistan. He also extended full support to the civilian government to make the CPEC a reality.
Some quarters attempted to tarnish his image by putting up signboards in major cities, inviting him to extend his service tenure. However, his commitment to the constitution and retirement on due date proved his mettle.
He leaves behind a legacy and precedentfor future chiefs to follow. The nation will long remember his services.
ZubairWazir North Waziristan (2) GENERAL Raheel Sharif has earned a good reputation for his sagacity and policies not merely in Pakistan but all over the world.
The general hands over command today as he had vowed all along. He bids adieu to the army he loved and served after successfully completing his tenure. General Qamar Javed Bajwa will take charge as the new army chief.
As a Pakistani, I wish the new COAS godspeed in dealing with the challenges he faces -LoC issues, terrorism, and ensuring the safety and success of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor.
The new chief should follow his predecessor`s policy and work to strengthen democracy and civil-military relations.
