Pakistan

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

News Desk January 25, 2016

PHOTO: ISPR

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.

I don't believe in extension and will retire on due date: army chief

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

COMMENTS (4)

Farzana | 8 years ago | Reply War like situation demands daring decisions like General Raheel Sharif did, taking into consideration all the conspiracy hatched by the politicians. The Pakistan Army as an institution stood up for Pakistan when all others failed. His jehad at the two fronts continued all along. We still have a long way to go, the nation needs leader like him. May Allah bless him.

Azaad | 8 years ago | Reply Army Chief should retire on time as a rule. However, appointment of army chief should not be left to Prime Minister who is a political person. Army Chief should recommend one of 2 names to the President who should finalize one of them. However the final name would have to be carried in the senate. President should also be elected for life and should act like Britain's constitutional monarchy. Should be provision for impeachment by parliament and trial through supreme court (in camera). 5 year Presidents only serve either as lame ducks serving the current regime on power or as rivals to the parliamentary system. Either way we have no checks and balances. In England's constitutional monarchy however, there is be a check on parliament in the form of the largely hereditary house of lords and the monarchy. We need to alter our senate to create stakeholder positions such as 100 life members country wide chosen by provincial quotas (based on population) through general referendum (who then become disqualified for life from running for public office) plus 200 other senators elected for 12 years minimum elected from each of the 5 provinces on equal basis (40 each). President to be chosen from the 100 upon death of previous President. Basic powers of President & Senate to be confirmatory. All laws must be passed through senate with a 66% majority. All laws on provinces must be passed with a 75% majority. President can strike down any law but his / her action must be backed by simple majority in the senate. president office can investigate any institution or person and NAB / supreme court etc. will report into his office not the government. President to appoint supreme court judges for life. Suggested procedure should be the same as army chief.

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