Raheel Sharif to replace Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani as new Pakistan Army chief
Prime Minister Sharif recommended the names of the two commanders which were endorsed by President Mamnoon Hussain. The President promoted both the lieutenant general to general rank.
Lieutenant General Sharif will replace 61-year-old General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani who would hang his boots on Friday after being at the helm of the army for six years.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Sharif held separate meetings here with the chief of general staff Lieutenant General Mahmood and inspector general training and evaluation Lieutenant General Sharif.
'The meetings discussed professional matters and matters relating to national security,' a senior government official said.
Lieutenant General Sharif's prior appointments include Commander, Gujranwala XXX Corps, Commandant of Pakistan Military Academy Kakul and General Officer Commanding Lahore.
Lieutenant General Mahmood has served as the corps commander of Lahore. He was also the military secretary to former President Rafiq Tarar.
Mahmood comes from Baloch Regiment and had served under General Kayani as ISI deputy director general.
Both generals have superseded Lieutenant General Haroon Aslam, currently chief of logistics staff and the senior-most general after Kayani. He is scheduled to retire in April.
In a surprise move, Kayani had scotched speculation of a possible extension by issuing a statement on 6 October saying, 'My tenure ends on 29 November 2013. On that day I will retire.'
A change of command ceremony has been planned for 29 November. Sharif will today host a farewell dinner for Kayani on Wednesday.
Lieutenant General Sharif will replace 61-year-old General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani who would hang his boots on Friday after being at the helm of the army for six years.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Sharif held separate meetings here with the chief of general staff Lieutenant General Mahmood and inspector general training and evaluation Lieutenant General Sharif.
'The meetings discussed professional matters and matters relating to national security,' a senior government official said.
Lieutenant General Sharif's prior appointments include Commander, Gujranwala XXX Corps, Commandant of Pakistan Military Academy Kakul and General Officer Commanding Lahore.
Lieutenant General Mahmood has served as the corps commander of Lahore. He was also the military secretary to former President Rafiq Tarar.
Mahmood comes from Baloch Regiment and had served under General Kayani as ISI deputy director general.
Both generals have superseded Lieutenant General Haroon Aslam, currently chief of logistics staff and the senior-most general after Kayani. He is scheduled to retire in April.
In a surprise move, Kayani had scotched speculation of a possible extension by issuing a statement on 6 October saying, 'My tenure ends on 29 November 2013. On that day I will retire.'
A change of command ceremony has been planned for 29 November. Sharif will today host a farewell dinner for Kayani on Wednesday.