ISLAMABAD: Lt Gen Raheel Sharif has been appointed as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), a day before incumbent army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani is set to retire.
Likewise, Lt Gen Rashad Mehmood has been appointed as the new Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC).
Both the senior army officers were appointed as COAS and CJCSC respectively after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made a final decision.
Lt Gen Raheel and Lt Gen Rashad have been promoted to the rank of four-star general with effect from November 28, after President Mamnoon Hussain, on the advice of prime minister, approved a summary to promote both army officers to the rank of General.
“On the advice of the Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and in pursuance of Article 243/4(a) and 243/4(b) of the Constitution of Pakistan, President of Pakistan and Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, Mamnoon Hussain has been pleased to promote and appoint Gen Rashad Mehmood as Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Gen Raheel Sharif as Chief of the Army Staff,” a statement from the Prime Minister House stated.
Lt Gen Raheel is currently serving as Inspector General Training and Evaluation whereas Lt Gen Rashad is serving as Chief of General Staff.
Both the officers will assume the charge of their new offices from November 29 (Friday) as the change of command ceremony will be held on Friday at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
