Lt Gen Raheel appointed as new COAS, Lt Gen Rashad as CJCSC

ISLAMABAD: On the recommendation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Lt Gen. Raheel Sharif has been appointed as Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS) while Lt Gen Rashad Mahmood as Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC).

President Mamnoon Hussain endorsed the PM’s recommendations both Lt Generals will be promoted to General rank on November 28.

Earlier on Wednesday, PM Nawaz held meetings separately with the two Lieutenant Generals.

According to sources, matters relating to the security of the country and professional affairs were also discussed in the meetings.

PROFILES

Lieutenant General Raheel Sharif

Lt General Raheel Sharif was born in Quetta on 16 June, 1956 to Major and Mrs Muhammad Sharif. He is the younger brother of Major Shabir Sharif Hilal-i-Imtiaz, SJ and Captain Mumtaz Sharif, Sbt.

Lt General Sharif is an alumnus of Government College Lahore and Pakistan Military Academy from where he passed out with 54th PMA Long Course. He was commissioned in October 1976 in the battle hardened and renowned 6th Battalion, The Frontier Force Regiment in which his brother embraced martyrdom.

As a young officer, he performed his duties in Gilgit in an Infantry Brigade and also served as Adjutant of Pakistan Military Academy. He did Company Commander’s Course from Germany and subsequently served in the prestigious School of Infantry and Tactics as an instructor. He attended the Command and Staff College Canada graduating with distinction.

Lt General Sharif carriers with him a vast experience of Command, Staff and Instructional appointments. He served as the Brigade Major of an Infantry Brigade and has commanded two infantry units i.e. 6 Frontier Force Regiment at Kashmir along the Line of Control (LoC) and 26 Frontier Force Regiment along the Sialkot Border. He remained on the faculty of the Command and Staff College, Quetta and attended Armed Forces War Course at National Defence University, Islamabad in 1998.

As a Brigadier, he has commanded two Infantry Brigades, including an Independent Infantry Brigade Group. The Lt. General has had the honour of being the Chief of Staff of two Corps, i.e. 30 Corps and 12 Corps. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies, United Kingdom.

Lt General Sharif has been the General Officer Commanding of an Infantry Division and the Commandant of prestigious Pakistan Military Academy. As a Lt General he served as Corps Commander 30 Corps for two years before taking over as Inspector General Training and Evaluation in which capacity he oversaw the training of Pakistan Army.

Lt General Sharif is married and has two sons and a daughter. He is an avid reader and enjoys hunting and swimming. He has been conferred with Hilal-i-Imtiaz.

Lieutenant General Rashad Mehmood

Lieutenant General Rashad Mahmood was commissioned in May 1975 in Baloch Regiment. He has attended Company Commander Course from France and is a graduate of Commmad & Staff College, Canada and National Defence College, Islamabad.

The General Officer has varied experience of Command, Staff and Instructional appointments. His major appointments include Platoon Commander, Pakistan Military Academy, Brigade Major Infantry Brigade, Instructor at Command & Staff College and National Defence College. He has remained Chief of Staff Bahawalpur Corps and Military Secretary to the President Rafiq Tarar.

The General Officer has commanded two Infantry Battalions, two Infantry Brigades and United Nations contingent at Congo, Infantry Division at Jhelum, Director General at Inter Services Intelligence Directorate, Islamabad and Commander Lahore Corps. After commanding the Corps, he took over as Chief of General Staff in January, 2013. The General Officer has been conferred with Hilal-i-Imtiaz.

Editorial Note

Profiles of Lt Generals Raheel Sharif and Rashad Mehmood were obtained from ISPR.

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THE NEWS"

Top US generals meet General Kayani to discuss military-to-military ties

Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Thursday, the latest in a regular series of engagements aimed at bolstering the military-to-military relationship between ISAF and Pakistan as well as improving security in the region.

According to a statement of the US Embassy, the trip is the last Gen. Allen is making to Pakistan as ISAF commander.  He was joined in Islamabad by his successor, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., who assumes command of the 50-nation coalition force on Sunday.

The officials discussed a variety of issues relating to their mutually shared goals of peace and stability in the region and strengthening cross-border cooperation.

While acknowledging that there is more to do, both leaders were pleased with the progress to date.  This ongoing strategic dialogue between the two four-star generals, supported by frequent discussions at lower levels, has enhanced the effectiveness of operations on both sides of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Fighting a faceless enemy: Kayani

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said Saturday that Pakistan was fighting a faceless enemy. Addressing the 98th commissioning and passing out parade at the Naval Academy, Army Chief Kayani added that Pakistan was passing through a very sensitive period in its history.

COAS Kayani said traditional dangers faced by the country had increased and these could only be tackled with a unified effort. According to Kayani, external and internal conditions had created several security challenges.

Army Chief Gen Kayani assured fair and free elections in Pakistan: CEC

 Pakistan’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim on Wednesday said that all security forces including Pakistan Army has extended their complete support for the next general elections.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Ebrahim said that he met Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani on Wednesday morning and he assured him regarding the free and fair polls in the country.

He also said that all political parties wanted free and fair polls in the country adding the fair election was the only solution to the country’s progress.

Ebrahim said that there were no facts in the rumours of postponement of elections.

He also said that the door to door verification of voter lists would start in Karachi from January 5, 2013 and it would complete within the prescribed time in a peaceful manner.

Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim further urged people to cast their votes in the next elections and hoped that the turnout in the elections would be above 60 percent.

The CEC also announced to hold a meeting on December 2, in order to analyze law and order situation in the country with home secretaries, chief secretary and other security officials.

Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, awarding Shield for over all performance to the Champion house on Parents day at Military College Jhelum today

Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, awarding Shield for over all performance to the Champion house on Parents day at Military College Jhelum today (18-11-2012) – Photo ISPR

Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Military College Jhelum, today as chief guest at the parents' day.

Rawalpindi - November 18, 2012: 

Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Military College Jhelum, today as chief guest at the parents' day.

Highlights of the occasion comprised smart and agile displays of march past, PT, gymnastics, martial arts and riding skills by the cadets, as well as an exhibition of their craftsmanship in both arts and science projects.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief of Army Staff lauded the high standards displayed by the students and faculty of the institution. He said that the litmus test of any institution lies in its contribution to the society over the years. He urged that the development of character, discipline and intellectual capacity must remain top priorities in the grooming of future leaders at institutions like Military College Jhelum.

Earlier, on arrival, Chief of Army Staff was received by Brigadier Muhammad Afzal (Retired), Commandant Military College Jhelum.

Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, visiting Computer Laboratory on Parents day at Military College Jhelum today (18-11-2012) – Photo ISPR

Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, inquiring about the health and treatment being given to Malala Yousafzai during visit to CMH Peshawar on Wednesday (10-10-2012) - Photo ISPR

Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, inquiring about the health and treatment being given to Malala Yousafzai during visit to CMH Peshawar on Wednesday (10-10-2012) - Photo ISPR

Gen.Kayani Returns After a ‘Successful’ Visit to Russia

Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has returned back to  home after a successful official visit to Russia.

According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), both countries’ army has agreed to cooperate in defence matters.

Army Chief was called on Chief of General Staff (CGS) Russian Federation Armed Forces General Makarov in the Ministry of Defence in Moscow and held a detailed discussion on bilateral defence cooperation.

Russian Army Chief was assisted by Deputy Chief of General Staff (DCGS) of Russian Federation Armed Forces Colonel General, Postnikov, Ground Forces Col Gen Postnikov and Ground Forces Commander, Colonel General Chirkin.

Gen Makarov welcomed General Kayani and expressed his desire to cooperate in all fields with Pakistan Armed forces.

“A Corps Commanders meetings is expected and the Army chief will brief the commanders about his trip to Russia” Sources added.

However, Gen.Kayani is also expected to meet the President and the Prime minister in this regard to brief them about his visit.

Kayani’s Official Trip To Russia – Key Areas to Look Forward?

Although, ISPR has not released details of General Kayani’s visit to Russia, defence sources revealed that during his visit, the potential for enhancing defence co-operation between the two countries would be explored. Purchase of military hardware from Russia to meet Pak military needs in war against terror will be a major point of discussion, they said.

Pakistan is keen to seek Russia’s co-operation to upgrade some of its military hardware, including Mi-17 helicopters and T-80ud tanks and Pakistan also wants to have military-to-military exchanges with Russia, sources added. Earlier, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt attended the centenary celebrations of Russian Air Force in August this year. The Air Chief was invited by his Russian counterpart to attend the celebrations that were marked with a mega Air Show at famous Zhukovsky airfield. The airfield is globally known as the venue of the Max Air Show, which hosted Aerial and Static displays of vintage as well as fifth generation combat aircraft.

General Kayani is expected to meet President Vladimir Putin, who recently called off a scheduled visit to Pakistan that led to the postponement of the scheduled quadrilateral summit of Russia, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan in Islamabad on October 02-03. The Foreign Office of Pakistan has indicated that the dates of Putin’s visit will be rescheduled through diplomatic channels. However, according to Press Secretary of Russian President, Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s trip to Islamabad is not even planned. Possible date of President’s visit to Pakistan is subject to separate negotiations”, Russian media quoted Peskov.

This will be the Pakistan Army chief’s first visit to Russia since 2009, when he had made a trip at the invitation of his counterpart. The visit will help give a push to Islamabad’s efforts towards improving relations with Moscow ahead of the pull out of foreign troops from Afghanistan. Sources said Kayani’s previous visit had helped prepare the grounds for a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and the then President Dmitry Medvedev in 2010. Colonel General Alexander Postnikov, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces, visited Pakistan in May last year. This was the first visit by a senior Russian military commander to Pakistan in many years.(Business Recorder)

Gen.Kayani and Mrs.Kayani

Add captionGen.Kayani and Mrs.Kayani

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani attends Lahore Corps War Games

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Lahore, today, to attend the concluding session of Lahore Corps War Games.

The War Games being conducted at various Corps HQs are part of the Azm-e-Nau series exercises which started with the Central Command War Games in May. The process will continue, at other Command and Corps headquarters, to review and validate operational plans in the light of current threat spectrum.
Earlier, on arrival, COAS was received by Lieutenant General Rashad Mahmood, Commander Lahore Corps.

Gen.Kayani Attends Concluding Session of Gujranwala Corps War Games

hief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Gujranwala, last night, to attend the concluding session of Gujranwala Corps War Games.

According to Military, the War Games being conducted at various Corps Headquarters are part of the Azm-e-Nau series exercises. This year’s Azm-e-Nau series started with the Central Command War Games in May, which comprised multiple planning and conduct sessions attended by senior Army and PAF officers. The process will continue, at other Command and Corps Headquarters, to review and validate operational plans in the light of current threat spectrum.

Later, today, COAS visited Army Marksmen Unit at Jhelum, a newly raised organization aimed at ensuring that basic shooting skills in the Army are not only maintained, but improved in a scientific and progressive manner.

Earlier, on arrival, COAS was received by Lieutenant General Raheel Sharif, Commander Gujranwala Corps.

UK General meets General Kayani

General Sir David Richards, Chief of Defence Staff of the United Kingdom called on Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani at General Headquarters on Monday.

The visiting dignitary is in Pakistan to attend the National Security Dialogue between Pakistan and United Kingdom. The two discussed the matters of mutual interest. 

Gen.Kayani at Golf Championship

COAS for continuity of democratic system

RAWALPINDI: The Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Monday reiterated a belief in stability and continuity of democratic system in Pakistan, adding 'security of the country and defence of its sovereignty should be our top most priority'.

Addressing a gathering during a program to mark 'Yaum-e-Shahada' here at General Headquarters (GHQ), the Army Chief said the Constitution clearly determined the responsibilities of the national institutions.

He stressed upon carrying out of countries affairs in accordance with the Constitution with an aim to raise the dignity of the country, adding this is the only way to further strengthen the country's security.

"The armed forces, with its strength and support of the people, are fully capable of protecting the country's sovereignty," the COAS asserted.

He said despite the sacrifices of the Pak army, some 'foreign forces' initiated a campaign of distrust and consequently the people had to go through a phase of strain. Our soldiers were martyred at Salala Check post in November (last year), he added.

"Our objective is to strengthen Pakistan," General Kayani pledged, saying he salutes to Pakistan people's spirit of patriotism.

He said Pakistan is in a state of war and believed that 'we would emerge successful with prays of the nation' and linked the success with "complete belief in Pakistan's ideology."

India welcomes Army Chief Kayani’s Siachen statement

NEW DELHI: India has welcomed statements made by Pakistan Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani regarding Siachen.

Speaking to the media in Skardu following his visit to the site of the avalanche in Gayari, COAS Kayani had called for discussing all issues including Siachen with India.

According to Indian television reports, the country’s State Minister for Defence MM Pallam Raju was glad to know that Pakistan was aware of the difficulties associated with maintaining soldiers in Siachen.

Prior to Kayani’s remarks on Siachen, PML-N president Nawaz Sharif had also called upon India and Pakistan to remove their troops from the region.

Pakistan Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Siachen Sunday

Pakistan Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Siachen Sunday ISLAMABAD:With no sign of survivors nearly 36 hours after an avalanche smashed into a Pakistan Army camp near the Siachen Glacier, the military hoped for a ‘miracle’ on Sunday as rescuers searched for the 124 soldiers and 11 civilians buried beneath a blanket of snow.

Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited the Giari area where the avalanche struck on Saturday to supervise the rescue operation launched by the army’s Engineering Corps to recover the victims, who belong to the 6 Northern Light Infantry Battalion.

“The avalanche of such a magnitude was unprecedented in the last 20 years of this Battalion Headquarters’ existence at Giari,” said Gen Kayani.

“I have directed the concerned departments of Pakistan Army to immediately mobilise all available resources with the assistance of Pakistan Air Force to carry out a full-scale rescue operation.”

According to the army, 240 troops and civilians participated in the rescue operation on Sunday with the aid of sniffer dogs and heavy machinery, some of which was flown in on military aircraft.

Rescuers dug through snow, boulders and slush in a desperate search for the 135 people buried under the snow more than 1,000 metres wide and 25 metres high – as hopes faded of finding any survivors.

“Let’s hope for a miracle,” a military official, who asked to remain anonymous, told Reuters. Another military official, also speaking off the record, said that there were reports that some of the trapped soldiers are still alive.

However, mountaineering expert Colonel Sher Khan disagreed.  “There is no hope, there is no chance at all,” he told AFP.

“You can survive only in the first 5-10 minutes,” he said. “The casualties in avalanches occur due to pressure of heavy weight, extreme cold and lack of oxygen.”

Apart from bulldozers and excavators, chemicals were being used to melt the ice. But due to harsh weather and great height, the rescue work is slow. The victims are trapped in one of the most unforgiving environments on the earth, at an altitude of 15,000 feet in the Karakoram mountain range.

Gen Kayani appreciated the morale and efforts of the troops who were braving harsh weather conditions and inhospitable terrain and directed the commanders to leave ‘no stone unturned’ to reach out to the trapped troops.

He said that the calamity, in no way, should affect the morale of the troops defending their homeland at the world’s highest battlefield.

Reactions

An eight-member team of US experts, meanwhile, arrived in Rawalpindi on Sunday to provide technical assistance in the rescue operation.

According to a military statement, discussion will be held with the US team to find out the possibility and nature of assistance required to expedite the rescue operation. Offer of technical assistance from other friendly countries is also being considered.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also offered to provide assistance to Pakistan, The Hindustan Times reported. Singh made the offer during his meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari.

In response, Zardari appreciated India’s offer and said he would seek assistance if needed, the report added.

(WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM AFP AND REUTERS)

Published in The Express Tribune, April 9^th, 2012.

GENERAL WYNNE VISITS JINNAH NAVAL BASE

Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Khalid Shameem Wynne visited Jinnah Naval Base (JNB) at Ormara.

A detailed briefing was given to him about the base, developmental projects and the efforts in hand to promote civil military relationship, said a press release issued here on Thursday.

The Chairman along with Commander Pakistan Fleet later boarded Pakistan Navy Submarine HASHMAT for a day trip to sea where he witnessed Submarine’s operational/combat display and spent some time with the crew.

He was given a comprehensive brief on Agost 70 Submarines Warfare capabilities. The Chairman lauded the professionalism of submarine crew and expressed his satisfaction at the combat readiness of PN submarine force.

Recording his remarks, he appreciated the high morale of PN personnel and also paid tribute to veterans of PN submarine force for developing a formidable arm of PN which is a significant contributor to overall national defence.

Chief of the Army Staff strapping up before carrying out a flying mission on F-16 Block 52 aircraft at PAF Base, Shahbaz on February 13, 2012.

General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Chief of the Army Staff strapping up before carrying out a flying mission on F-16 Block 52 aircraft at PAF Base, Shahbaz on February 13, 2012.

Gen.Kayani lauds Sacrifices of Pakistan Soldiers

Rawalpindi - Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Kurram Agency, today.
On arrival, he was briefed about the progress of Operation Azmari Ghero in Kurram agency. This operation was launched under strong demand of both local population and political administration of the area.

Success of the operation will not only secure Kurram but will also sever linkage of terrorist groups in North Waziristan and FATA. Due to this significant effect, the operation is characterized by tough resistance from desperate terrorists against the resolve and determination of the forces. In last two and a half months, the number of Shuhadas has reached 69 including 5 officers. Meanwhile 166 terrorists have been killed.While interacting with troops involved in the operation, COAS lauded their sacrifices and efforts in fighting the menace of terrorism. He also appreciated the Political Administration for efficiently managing around two thousand displaced families. The displaced families have already started moving back to the areas cleared during the operations. Over six hundred of these families have resettled, after payment of compensation.
Earlier on arrival, COAS was received by Commander Peshawar Corps Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani.courtesy
paksolderes