Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif on Monday said that completion of ongoing counter-terrorism operations would be the responsibility of the new army chief.

As the countdown to appointment of a new army chief begins, the defence minister on a TV show said the new chief of army staff (COAS) would have to carry forward the success and legacy of outgoing COAS Gen Raheel Sharif.

The war against terrorism, the situation along the Line of Control and Working Boundary, and alleged Indian aggression in Pakistan through Afghanistan will be among the major responsibilities the new army chief will have to focus on, Asif said.

The Pakistan Army and its new chief will have to carry forward the tradition of success maintained during Gen Raheel's three-year term.

The army has earned goodwill and respect, he said.