Musharraf calls for extending tenure of Gen Raheel Sharif
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KARACHI: Former president retired General Pervez Musharraf called on Wednesday for extending the tenure of Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif and warned against a change in the military leadership. Otherwise, he said, “everything would go to waste”.
In an interview with Samaa TV, Mr Musharraf, who himself got five-year extension as army chief, said he was happy to see growing popularity of Gen Sharif because he was doing a “wonderful job” which needed to be continued.
“I wish he carries on with all this he is doing,” he said. “What he is doing right now, it needs continuity and if there is any change in the leadership amidst this all, all good work which has been done so far would go in waste. So I can only wish and suggest that he should stay there.”
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Gen Raheel Sharif is due to retire in November next year.
When asked if there was any “drought” in the military leadership that the departure of the army chief would create and everything good done so far would go to waste, Mr Mushrraf said there was always a difference among people and the country needed Gen Sharif to stay at his office.
“One needs to understand that there is a difference between people,” he said. “I don’t mean that there is a drought of leadership in army but I want to say that if he departs then every good work he has done would be wasted. Whenever he goes, everything he has done good, would be changed — there would be rigging again, National Accountability Bureau would step back and army courts would be wound up.”
When asked to comment on the crisis his old ally Muttahida Qaumi Movement was passing through, he said if any party or individual had done anything wrong they were answerable and the MQM was facing the same phase.
“I think the cases of money laundering and Dr Imran Farooq murder are coming to their conclusions,” he said. “You see MQM is the only urban political force in Sindh. You have to deal with that political force which represents millions of people. We must understand that there are majority of Mohajirs or Urdu speaking people in Karachi and they must be isolated from terrorists and extortionists.”
Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2015
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Comments (89) Closed
Sep 18, 2015 06:51am
General Raheel's tenure MUST be extended by another six or more years. I am sure that there are political leaders who are envious or afraid of his rising popularity but if anyone has a shred of love for Pakistan and wants to see the country taken out of the abysmal situation, he/she would support his extension.
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Sep 18, 2015 07:02am
To me and most other Pakistanis in America, Musharraf always make sense. Pakistan had the best period under Musharraf administration.
I believe that Gen. Raheel Sharif should be given extension, so that the work he doing is completed. After retirement, Gen. Raheel should join a political party, like PTI or Gen. Musharraf's party, and become PM of Pakistan. He is very popular.
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Sep 18, 2015 07:06am
Entire Nation wants the same. we all want Gen Sharif to stay on next term too.
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Sep 18, 2015 07:06am
I believe Whatever Musharraf says , is majority's feeling.
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Sep 18, 2015 07:08am
"Musharraf calls for extending tenure of Gen Raheel Sharif"
Of course, he does!
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Sep 18, 2015 07:14am
General, you are the one who played havoc with Pakistan through your NRO. After causing such huge damage to the country, you are not ashamed and continue to seek limelight!!!!
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Sep 18, 2015 07:23am
Pakistan badly needs to sustain the policies of Gen Raheel Sharif. If that means extending his tenure then it must be done
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Sep 18, 2015 07:24am
Wish General Sahib, you had done the same...you had all the powers...but you were more interested in staying in power as much as possible...what we are reaping today has much to do with you and your hand-picked Kayani....
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Sep 18, 2015 07:26am
I agree 100% with Musharraf on this one and I am sure the entire nation would love to see General Raheel to continue to serve the nation. I am sure the corrupt people/ leaders, terrorists don't want to see him continue.
Pakistan Armed Forces Zindabad.
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Sep 18, 2015 07:28am
Yes...Gen. Sharif's rule is very important, his tenure must be extended...everybody knows that GHQ's role is dominant in Pakistan's 70 years political history...but this time its very crucial, as the regional political scenario is changing...building and strengthening ties with all neighboring countries including India are must for political, economic stability & peace...CPEC is an important step in this regard...and China knows very well that which institution has power & can be trusted in Pakistan...!!!
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Sep 18, 2015 07:32am
Maybe he is saying so to ensure Raheel does not get extension
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Sep 18, 2015 07:33am
@Qamar Yes...NRO was Musharraf's biggest mistake, which he admitted several times, but most amazing thing is that many political figures, who gave him the advice, are sitting in the govt...!!
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Sep 18, 2015 07:40am
He is a General who is doing good job but its time to start following processes. Three years is term of COAS and thats it, next general needs to get his time. System is now moving and it must stop for People.
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Sep 18, 2015 07:46am
I have nothing against Gen. Raheel Sharif but he shouldn't be given an extension. We should stop worshiping people. Instead, system should be strengthen. Any new COAST should be able to carry out his duties. We shouldn't depend on individuals. Also, when a General is there more than three years, they become greedy and corrupt. In order to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the system, Gen. Raheel Sharif should be retired at the completion of his tenure.
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Sep 18, 2015 07:52am
Long live General Parvez Musharraf and Raheel Sharif, the sons of Pakistan.
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Sep 18, 2015 07:56am
Why did not you did it all, Commando? Instead you did NRO.
A huge mess that now Raheel is trying to clean up, even if a fraction of this clean up is done by Raheel still it will be a big achievement.
Now look at him (Mush), he is advising to the nation what to do or not do.
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Sep 18, 2015 07:56am
Yes...Gen. Sharif's rule is very important, his tenure must be extended...everybody knows that GHQ's role is dominant in Pakistan's 70 years political history...but this time its very crucial, as the regional political scenario is changing...building and strengthening ties with all neighboring countries including India are must for political, economic stability & peace...CPEC is an important step in this regard...and China knows very well that which institution has power & can be trusted in Pakistan...!!!
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Sep 18, 2015 07:57am
Gen. Sharif should come clean himself and categorically reject any intentions on his behalf to seek extension. It is unfair with the other Three Star Generals who have put in 35+ years of service only to be denied because of extension of the incumbent. Its one thing being denied for professional and political reasons but to be not even considered for the Office, that I am sure will breed bitterness and resentment.
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Sep 18, 2015 08:01am
There should be no second thought !
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Sep 18, 2015 08:01am
My Pakistani friends will disagree but I strongly suggest that they stop looking for messiahs in personalities and persons. Great nations are built upon institutions and not individuals.
Even if you give an extension to Gen. Raheel for 2 years, what will happen after that? What will happen after Nov 2016 will happen after Nov 2018. By giving extension you are postponing the problem, not solving it.
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Sep 18, 2015 08:14am
I think he should complete his term, handover command to Gen Rizwan ( DG ISI) and form a political party of his own ( without tainted politicians and with youth only). He will sweep 2018 elections.
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Sep 18, 2015 08:15am
Musharraf Saheb is right on the money. General Shareef Saheb should stay longer to weed out the terrorists and corrupt politicians.
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Sep 18, 2015 08:22am
Gen R.Sharief COAS,
not only commands
our Beloved Pak Army
But
Also commands the
Hearts of the People of Pakistan.
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Sep 18, 2015 08:31am
Please lets get out of paranoia of personalities and try to strengthen the institutions. Pakistan will only progress once our system and institutions will become strong enough to stand and deliver at their own. Change is in nature, every spring only new set of leaves keep a tree strong not the the old set of leaves
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Sep 18, 2015 08:39am
If a wrong person is telling a right thing, it should be accepted. Gen. Musharraf wish is the wish of the nation.The tenure of Gen. Raheel should be extended for another term, this is the wish of the majority of people.
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Sep 18, 2015 08:42am
Makes perfect sense. Can't expect any positives from political figures. Only army is the ray of hope for country.
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Sep 18, 2015 08:53am
It would be unwise to extend Raheel Sharif's tenure. While the general is certainly popular, this operation should be conducted by the army as an institution under the guidance of a civilian operation. Therefore, it is imperative that someone else continue the same policy. It must be demonstrated to the Pakistani people that institutions can run policy and hero worship of military generals is what uncivilized countries do.
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Sep 18, 2015 08:57am
Army alone can not solve all the problems of the country, it needs political support. PML-N and PTI are the main reason for this success. PML-N is run by industrialist brothers who need stability in the country to carry on their activities, whereas PTI leader has no ulterior motives but wants the best for Pak. Both these parties are vying for army's support and as a result are trying to out do each other. However, the end result is turning out to be best for Pak.
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Sep 18, 2015 08:59am
Besides giving General Raheel Sharif extension, we would like see him form a political party after his retirement or maybe he should join PTI. Only Imran Khan & Raheel Sharif could restore laws and order and put all corrupt politicians behind the jail.
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Sep 18, 2015 09:10am
@MAlvi . I agree with you 100%
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Sep 18, 2015 09:13am
@Rick_james . Well said Rick
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Sep 18, 2015 09:14am
The COAS should not be given an extension. Any extension to the general would be tantamount to stating that there's deficit in military leadership. The current military leadership is on board regarding the current policy and a change in command should not in any way deter it from following it through to its logical end.
Musharaf and his kind, such as, Zia and Kayani, seem to forget its the system that elevated them from humble beginnings to lofty heights. So please do not undermine the system let is flourish.
No one is indispensable in an effective and efficient system per se allowed to run it proper course. Individual personalities are simple cogs in a well oiled machinery, they should move away after serving their purpose and time.
There are always others in their wake who are equally promising, if not better.
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Sep 18, 2015 09:14am
General Musharraf is a true patriot but he failed, the saddest thing is that general sahib does not know why he failed. Anyhow, I wholeheartedly supported general Musharraf and I wholeheartedly support his call for General Raheel's extension, in fact I would like to see the next two elections conducted in his tenure/
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Sep 18, 2015 09:25am
We can wish all we want but I don't think Gen Raheel would accept an extension. A person on extension cannot have the same teeth as he has before. Gen Raheel would not settle for any reduction in his "parwaz" (as Allama Iqbal calls it.) We have one year from now to November, he can do a massive cleanup in this time.
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Sep 18, 2015 09:36am
Once Again he has put forward his popular slogan “ Sub Say Pehlay Pakistan” .He proved himself as a true patriot by endorsing Gen. Raheel Sharif.
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Sep 18, 2015 09:37am
Very good idea, long live Musharaff.
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Sep 18, 2015 09:50am
Short of dismembering the country, the Recipe for Disaster (Charter of Democracy) has played its part.
We need to unite as a nation and go forward regardless, of what the West may SAY and DO. For that we need sane-minded people at the helm like General Raheel Sharif and ex-President Musharraf. The sooner the better. Salams
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Sep 18, 2015 10:06am
General Raheel Sharif is a Babbar Sher! His tenure must be extended!
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Sep 18, 2015 10:07am
ISPR must come with their version so that the nation and specially political leaders do not remain confused.
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Sep 18, 2015 10:15am
It should be extended
I agree with Musharraf
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Sep 18, 2015 10:18am
@Qamar Agree with every single word spoken against this right. What right does he have to speak on how the democracy, parliament and other institutions should work.
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Sep 18, 2015 10:32am
I like it.
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Sep 18, 2015 10:33am
Gen Raheel Shareef deserves for extension for next five years atleast, in this dire situation of our country where corruption is on peak and terrorism become deteriorating after longs lasting efforts and sacrifices of Pak Army and Sindh Rangers, there is need continuation what he carries at this point of time.
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Sep 18, 2015 10:40am
Raheel is doing what Musharraf & Keyani could not do.
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Sep 18, 2015 10:45am
Gen. Raheel Shareef should be promoted to Field Marshal .This is what he deserves.
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Sep 18, 2015 10:47am
We have to rely on institutes persons comes and go.
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Sep 18, 2015 10:48am
We are the followers of personalities rather than the institutions.
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Sep 18, 2015 10:51am
I do not agree with Gen Musharaf, its a wrong path to follow, groom the leadership from now.Gen Raheel is doing a fantastic job, but he should not be given extension, rather roped in as National security appratus.
The new Chief should continue his good work.
Frankly giving Gen Musharaf extension did not work well and landed him in trouble also.
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Sep 18, 2015 11:29am
I have posted on Facebook about a month ago that General Raheel Sharif should get an extension for three years. This would be a just reward for his meritorious services for Pakistan.
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Sep 18, 2015 11:44am
@AXH It must not be extended, there are so many in-line commanders would have been same calibre and sincerity to tackle extremism and terrorism. And certainly state can't be run relying on single person abilities, infect run with continuation of process. It is better for Army as an institute as well not to give RS extension.
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Sep 18, 2015 11:44am
Do unjustified means justify a just cause?
While I think Raheel Sharif is amazing, still there should be no exceptions....country should not be run on ad hoc basis by individuals but by rules and regulations..unless this system is developed we will always be at mercy of individuals.
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Sep 18, 2015 12:01pm
How good an Army Chief may be but what the country has experienced that the one who overstayed his tenure became an unlikeable personality, sooner or later. Nevertheless, a gentleman must never block the appointment of this post for another capable deserving General officer who is in line because a system runs in the institution. Extension in tenure will be injustice to others and to the institution.
Musharaf, yet has to comprehend the reality the popularity he once had when he became the head and what happened to him when he left. Also he still has to understand that it is the system of institution which matters and by no means an individual doesn't have a value.
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Sep 18, 2015 12:10pm
I second Mr. Musharraf on his statement and I am very pleased to read the comments of everyone here supporting the extension of Gen. Raheel Shariff. There is lot more that Nation demands from Army to bring it on the right track !
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Sep 18, 2015 12:17pm
Without shadow of any doubt he should be extended for 3 more years.
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Sep 18, 2015 12:25pm
His advice should be heeded. Always sensible and always a patriot.
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Sep 18, 2015 12:36pm
100000000000000000000000000000% correct
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Sep 18, 2015 12:45pm
I agree with what Musharraf is saying.
Terrorists and their sanctuaries are being dismantled and that is a very good thing.
The momentum needs to continue.
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Sep 18, 2015 12:55pm
Genaral musharraf genaral raheel sharif saheb both long live and zidabad
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Sep 18, 2015 01:00pm
we need strong institutions not individuals. extension of any chief is bad idea. we must stop hero worshiping
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Sep 18, 2015 01:04pm
His good work can be carried on by his successor with equal success. We must remove a tag of indispensability from all of us. If he stay on, he will earn the same repute as of Mushraaf & Kiani. Is it worth that way, has to be decided by Gen. Raheel himself. My sincere suggestion is that he should not accept any extension even if offered. His personal honour and that of army would be save only this way. Rest it is up to him how he wish to be remembered. As of now we simply love him!
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Sep 18, 2015 01:08pm
Come What May General Raheel MUST extend his tenure
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Sep 18, 2015 01:11pm
This endorsement from Musharraf seems to be an effort to ride the bandwagon of current army chief. General Raheel is doing a marvellous job and his performance speaks through results rather than verbose and he does not need any words from the one whose range of fiascos range from Kargil to NRO.
This phenomenon of results speaking for themselves is a lesson, being imparted by good general (the current one), that should be learned by all the politicians. Had they known this lesson, they would not have been losing their sleep nowadays 'again' for their beloved 'democracy' that is in danger 'again' due to their 'incompetency' and 'corruption'.
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Sep 18, 2015 01:27pm
I believe that General Raheel will himself not accept any extension in his service. Look at his impeccable performance, adherence to rules and his exemplary service to the Nation. I further believe that he will inshAllah complete his mission against terrorism and corruption before his retirement. His success will create the Naya Pakistan
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Sep 18, 2015 02:13pm
I have a different opinion. I guess he should not accept any offer of extension in his service. He should instead opt for retirement with full honor and dignity and with the admiration and respect from the men in uniform and civilians alike.
He is rightly perceived as the most respected, competent, and professional army chief ever commanded the army in the history of this country. The traditions he has set in the institution will go long way and his successors will hopefully continue the traditions of Pakistan Army and will try to surpass the standards he has set for the future generations of our armed forces.
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Sep 18, 2015 02:37pm
Entire Nation wants the same. We all want Gen Sharif to stay on next term too.
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Sep 18, 2015 02:39pm
We want and need Gen Raheel Sharif for next 10 years at least. It is must for our survival.
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Sep 18, 2015 02:43pm
@MAlvi In politics, only corrupt one gets popularity. Gen Raheel is a wise person, he should not join politics.
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Sep 18, 2015 02:52pm
@MAlvi so you guys also support his NRO and MQM supporting policies.
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Sep 18, 2015 03:25pm
@A.M.K
"Entire Nation wants the same. "
'you' are not the nation.
A lot of people on this forum seems to favoring it but it will be strengthening of a bad tradition.
I hope Raheel, in continuation of his good work, breaks the extension tradition too.
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Sep 18, 2015 03:26pm
@Qamar .He is the one whi destroyed pakistan.he did nothing for the power sector.and pre recession every country was going good.he did nothing good for the country.
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Sep 18, 2015 03:35pm
Did anybody say that Gen. Sharif tenure will not be extended. Whom Gen Mush making his demand to?
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Sep 18, 2015 03:43pm
Nobody is indispensable full stop
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Sep 18, 2015 03:56pm
So what we are surmising here is that even though the Civil Govt is there but we cannot live without the army. What a sad state of affairs it is after all the years of hankering of let the civilian government be given a chance to run the country.
In fact what is noticeable during all the civil government rule is let the civilian politicians carry on doing simple things including daylight pilfering and looting and when it comes to address law and order issues, organizing and running disaster management, let the army do the work.
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Sep 18, 2015 03:59pm
It is people and opinions like this one that ruin the systems in this country. A person is supposed to leave after a certain period and that is what is best for the system and the country. Everyone is replaceable or it would not have been ordained for us all to die one day. Let the system run its natural course. Pakistan does not need personalities but systems that run well.
In a way I am glad that Mr Musharaf has no control over anything even though he considers it important to voice one about everything.
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Sep 18, 2015 04:02pm
Without shadow of any doubt his tenure should be extended for couple of years.
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Sep 18, 2015 04:19pm
Actions are louder than the words, lets turn the words in to actions in real
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Sep 18, 2015 04:32pm
We must believe in the system and not on one person. Please let him retire and InshaAllah we will get a new COAS who might be even better than him.
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Sep 18, 2015 04:35pm
We are a country scared of merit..we only look up for "massiha's" and don't leave them unless they turn into something else. Not impressed by Musharraf's idea.Where is the merit in the only so called 'reliable' institute of this country
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Sep 18, 2015 05:01pm
He has proven that he is a patriot. So extend his term. Ex=President Musharraf always a realist. Ignore the nay sayers they are a small minority.
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Sep 18, 2015 06:44pm
No, he should not be given an extension. We must appreciate him for taking good decisions for the country, but we should not go so far as to invite him to exceed his limits. He is only human. These transgressions make a man believe he is above the law, which has always been the case with army chiefs. Can't he find a patriot to lead the army once he's gone? What does that say about the current Lt. Generals? He should pick a good man to succeed him. And retire at the end of his term. The system needs strengthening, not individuals. And none of that takes away from his legacy, he did a brilliant job. We, the Pakistani public, need to be moderate in our views.
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Sep 18, 2015 06:57pm
@AXH I have more than a shred of patriotic love, but I do not support an extension. The transfer of command should happen as usual, I'm sure he can find a patriot among his Lt. Generals to succeed him. Like the way PML-N chose him, inspite of the fact that his name was not among those forwarded for promotion by Kiyani. The system should be strengthened, not individuals. And it is wrong to equate patriotism with supporting army takeovers. A balance needs to be found between the politicians, the army and the bureaucracy. And the agenda of each should be Pakistan. That creates a good check and balance on each institution. I see more of a balance now than I have in a long time.
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Sep 18, 2015 07:50pm
Those who never lived in Pakistan during former President Musharraf's time are in the dark about how efficient and well governed our nation was under his leadership. Hopefully Gen. Raheel Sharif will continue in the same vein, only we as Pakistanis want to see an honest, hardworking PATRIOT like him
lead Pakistan.
For throughout Pakistan's short history, unlike some other neighboring nations - we love our Pak Army and it performed best when lead by military leaders as did the USA under Gen./President Eisenhower when America was the greatest nation on earth.
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Sep 18, 2015 09:35pm
raheel , please continue
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Sep 18, 2015 09:43pm
100% agree he must stay and tenure shall be extended for coas
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Sep 19, 2015 01:32am
We fully support the extension.
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Sep 19, 2015 10:05am
Gen Raheel may be given 1 year extension only so that momentum of his good works against corrupt people continues. After that he should handover command to the next in line. Army generals are capable enough to fight terrorists. To tackle politicians intelligently, needs certain skills which Gen Raheel is showing
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Sep 20, 2015 01:13am
@MAlvi I don't dispute any good work done by any Army General or others. Why make recommendations that doesn't make sense. Do we have enough in depth background knowledge about Pakistan's administrative and political system.
Why make such recommendations without knowing how things work in Pakistan and its complicated political and administrative system. It's all very complicated system in Pakistan to make comments while sitting in America. How do we know if General Raheel Sharif even wants another extension of his COAS tenure. Remember General Jahangir Karamat (Former COAS) what did he do?
Make some viable recommendations, not a wild statement that doesn't make sense.
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Sep 20, 2015 10:06pm
There can never be one man show .If that is happening there is something wrong.
It only means one has not been able to train his juniors .
Of trained well next May be much better..
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Sep 21, 2015 12:41pm
@H Chaudhry - By this time you have seen how many have supported your suggestion. Always be practical and think about the acute problems our country is facing for a long time and its best/quick solution by whom. Who has seen the future and who will come to solve our prevailing problems? If the present COAS is doing well give him a one-time chance to solve and after it he should go. Not that let him do the half job and the would-be others will do the half. Those who have not learn during the these 67/68 years will never learn.
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