Nawaz, General Raheel shower praise on each other

Farewell banquet

Nawaz says Gen Raheel was an embodiment of sense of duty, dedication and commitment to motherland and belongs to a family known for gallantry, heroism and sacrifice; Gen Raheel thanks PM for ‘kind words and support’; Maryam Nawaz says Gen Raheel is a ‘man of exceptional personal & professional ethos’

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and the outgoing Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Thursday praised each other and said they successfully dealt with many challenges together facing the nation.

The prime minister gave General Raheel a splendid send-off on completion of his tenure.Nawaz hosted a sumptuous banquet in his honour at the Prime Minister’s House and bid him farewell with the words: “I must acknowledge here with great appreciation that General Raheel Sharif always led from the front.”

The banquet was attended by the top brass, including the four three-star Generals who are contenders for the job, and selected civilian leadership, including some federal ministers and top bureaucrats.and thank General Raheel Sharif for his many years of dedicated, meritorious and exemplary service to Pakistan and its Armed Forces.

“We worked together in addressing a number of security challenges and I am glad to say that Pakistan today is much safer and stronger than 2013,” Nawaz said.He wasn’t a miser with words while praising the services and role of the armed forces in various campaigns by saying: “The Pakistan’s armed forces can surely take pride in the flawless execution of the Operation Zarb-e-Azb, which is recognised as the most comprehensive, robust and successful anti-terrorism operation anywhere in the world. It has made the entire world aware of our unflinching resolve and commitment to root out terrorism as we accomplished what countries with far more resources have not been able to achieve in much longer periods.”

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reminded that General Raheel belongs to a family which is second to none when it comes to gallantry and heroism. They have a tradition of serving the nation and laying down their lives in the line of duty.

“The Shahadat and award of Nishan-i-Haider to Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed and Major Shabbir Shareef Shaheed is itself a unique honor for his family,” he continued.He said this sense of duty and unconditional dedication and commitment to our motherland has also been evident in the person and career of Gen Raheel ever since he joined the 54th Long Course in the Pakistan Military Academy.

“His journey from a young, devoted and brilliant cadet officer to the Chief of Army Staff is marked by all the hallmarks of professional distinction and excellence.“As an Adjutant and later Commandant of Pakistan Military Academy and GOC of the 11th Infantry Division, General Raheel Sharif stood out in the discharge of his responsibilities.

His services as Corps Commander Gujranwala and Inspector General for Training and Evaluation in the Pakistan Army prepared him well for responsibilities as the Chief of Army Staff.”

The prime minister recalled that three years earlier this month, General Raheel Sharif was appointed to this position for his outstanding military abilities, his leadership qualities and his integrity.

“It is as Chief of Army Staff that General Raheel made the most difference in the service of our country.”He concluded his brief address with the prayer: “May Allah bless you and your family with lasting happiness and prosperity as we wish you success in all your future endeavors.”

Speaking on the occasion, General Raheel said: “Thank you for your kind words and support. I am grateful.”The evening hosted at the Prime Minister’s House belonged to General Raheel who saluted the premier while sitting in the car and for the first time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was seen saluting his army chief before they separated.

In her tweets, the prime minister’s daughter Maryam Nawaz showered accolades on General Raheel.“I always thought Gen. Raheel was a man of exceptional personal & professional ethos. My interaction with him was always very pleasant. You will always be remembered with great fondness & respect, General Sb. Pakistan is proud of you????History in the making. Good precedent set. Institutions strengthen. A very good omen for Pakistan ????”