In pictures: Raheel Sharif through the years

A compilation of photos of the outgoing chief of army staff.
Published November 25, 2016

Back in 2013 when Gen Kayani announced that he would not take an extension for a second time, Gen Sharif was not among the favourites in the race for army chief.

Even after he beat all the odds to become the chief, his detractors continued to doubt him saying he lacked intelligence and operations background.

But he did not allow those shortcomings to become a handicap and proved everyone wrong.

The high point in his tenure was the start of Operation Zarb-i-Azb in North Waziristan against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in June 2014, something from which his predecessor shied away fearing blowback.

The operation is now in its last stages. He is also credited for action against militancy in Karachi and partially restoring calm in the city.

Gen Sharif has all along been supportive of the government, except for a statement at the corps commanders’ conference last November when he expressed reservations over civilian administration’s governance. The comment presented the spectacle of a row between the civilian and military leadership. He has, nevertheless, maintained strong influence over the government’s foreign and national security policies.

The general garnered unprecedented popularity among the general public and on social media, spawning a hashtag #ThankYouRaheelSharif.

Raheel Sharif was born on June 16, 1956 to Major and Mrs Muhammad Sharif.
Raheel Sharif was born on June 16, 1956 to Major and Mrs Muhammad Sharif.

Raheel Sharif is from the Pakistan Military Academy's 54th Long Course.
Raheel Sharif is from the Pakistan Military Academy's 54th Long Course.

Raheel Sharif was part of the army's infantry division.
Raheel Sharif was part of the army's infantry division.

Raheel Sharif was commissioned to the army's 6th Battalion of the Frontier Force Regiment in Oct 1976.
Raheel Sharif was commissioned to the army's 6th Battalion of the Frontier Force Regiment in Oct 1976.

Raheel Sharif is the younger brother of Maj Shabbir Sharif, a Nishan-i-Haider recipient killed in the 1971 war in Okara.
Raheel Sharif is the younger brother of Maj Shabbir Sharif, a Nishan-i-Haider recipient killed in the 1971 war in Okara.

Raheel Sharif, who is 13 years junior to Shabbir Sharif, spent most of his early life in the shadow of his illustrious brother.
Raheel Sharif, who is 13 years junior to Shabbir Sharif, spent most of his early life in the shadow of his illustrious brother.

Raheel Sharif is widely credited with improving security in the country in general and Karachi in particular.
Raheel Sharif is widely credited with improving security in the country in general and Karachi in particular.

Operation Zarb-i-Azb was launched under Gen Raheel Sharif.
Operation Zarb-i-Azb was launched under Gen Raheel Sharif.

Raheel Sharif's nickname is Bobby.
Raheel Sharif's nickname is Bobby.

Raheel Sharif was appointed 15th Chief of Army Staff on Nov 28, 2013.
Raheel Sharif was appointed 15th Chief of Army Staff on Nov 28, 2013.

2015, Raheel Sharif’s popularity grew out of the barracks and spread across Pakistan.
2015, Raheel Sharif’s popularity grew out of the barracks and spread across Pakistan.

Gen Raheel and PM Nawaz drive along the Gwadar-Hoshab portion of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. ─ Photo courtesy ISPR.
Gen Raheel and PM Nawaz drive along the Gwadar-Hoshab portion of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. ─ Photo courtesy ISPR.

PM Nawaz shakes hands with outgoing Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif. ─ PPI
PM Nawaz shakes hands with outgoing Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif. ─ PPI

Gen Raheel pays a farewell visit to PM Nawaz Sharif at PM Office. ─ APP
Gen Raheel pays a farewell visit to PM Nawaz Sharif at PM Office. ─ APP

All chiefs of staff pose for a photograph alongside PM Nawaz as Gen Raheel says his goodbyes. ─ APP
All chiefs of staff pose for a photograph alongside PM Nawaz as Gen Raheel says his goodbyes. ─ APP