Pakistan army chief to retire on schedule: military

Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, who is due to retire on Nov. 29, started his farewell visits in the country on Monday.

"Chief of the Army Staff kicks off his farewell visits beginning from Lahore today," army spokesman Lt Gen. Asim Bajwa said.

Raheel, who was appointed the army chief on Nov. 29, 2013, addressed a huge gathering of Army and the paramilitary Rangers troops while on his farewell visit to Lahore Garrison.

"Thanking all ranks of the Army and Rangers for their services under his command," he said, adding that it was a matter of great pride for him to have commanded the finest army in the world.

Calling the accomplishment of peace and stability no ordinary task, he said "it was our sacrifices and joint national resolve that helped us in off-setting all odds against our country."

The Pakistani forces reached major achievements under the lead of Raheel, including the major offensive against the Pakistani Taliban and foreign militants in North Waziristan tribal region.

Raheel told the troops that they should be fully prepared to respond to any challenge and no one could dare cast an evil eye on Pakistan.

Talking about the major operation against armed groups, the general said the offensive has resulted in a more secure and stable Pakistan with a sense of greater hope and direction.

He urged the troops to follow the norms of their rich military tradition with even greater vigor and continue serving their people with utmost dedication, resilience and greater sense of sacrifice. Endit