Gen Raheel reigns supreme on Twitter after announcing retirement date

Gen Raheel announces he will not be seeking an extension in his tenure and will retire on due date

General Raheel Sharif is arguably one of the most popular army chiefs in Pakistan's short but turbulent history. So, when the military’s media wing announced on Monday that he would not be seeking an extension, it was only expected that his huge fan base would rush to heap praise on him for making yet another admirable decision.



With two separate hashtags trending on Twitter for the military strongman, several analysts and observers hailed his decision to clear the air and step down in November this year.

Here are some of the top reactions

They all said 'thank you Raheel Sharif'. But he said 'thanks, but no thanks.' Thank goodness! #COAS

— Adnan Rehmat (@adnanrehmat1) January 25, 2016

Army chief end all controversy- says I do NOT believe in extensions-truly a professional general - and no one will make him change his mind.

— Nasim Zehra (@NasimZehra) January 25, 2016

By announcing 11 months in advance he will retire on schedule in Nov this year COAS Gen Raheel has set a solid precedent #RaheelSharif

— Fahd Husain (@Fahdhusain) January 25, 2016

https://twitter.com/Azharkh4/status/691559920253157377

Welcome announcement by COAS that he will retire on time & not seek extension. Shd end all speculation & end this damaging extension culture

— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) January 25, 2016

COAS correctly pointed to strengthening of institutions - something that has been undermined by culture of extensions.Appreciate COAS stance

— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) January 25, 2016

https://twitter.com/Mishapti/status/691569693107298304

#COAS Raheel Sharif will be remembered in the history as a great general retired with dignity #Respect

— Hina Parvez Butt (@hinaparvezbutt) January 25, 2016

#COAS Pakistan Needs your extension pic.twitter.com/6a10h0yBOG

— Zunair Khan (@zunairkh) January 25, 2016

General Raheel Sharif has won the hearts of every Pakistani.We love you General Raheel Sharif.#COAS pic.twitter.com/DDuR9VbJRa

— Syed Sheharyar Dilshad (@Shaharyarnaqvi2) January 25, 2016

https://twitter.com/IamAhsansardar/status/691543177342357504
https://twitter.com/mohsin1514/status/691539343803039744

One account summed up the sentiments pretty well 

https://twitter.com/SirJavedMiandad/status/691548597440090112

https://twitter.com/SirJavedMiandad/status/691553049974849538