Pakistan appoints new army chief

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday finally made the selection of two senior army officers as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff Committee (CJCSC).

Ending weeks of speculation, the premier appointed career infantry officer, Lt. Gen. Raheel Sharif, as new COAS, while Lt Gen Rashad Mahmood has been appointed the CJCSC.

A notification from the Ministry of Defence said both Sharif and Mahmood had been promoted to the rank of four-star generals with effect from Thursday, Nov. 28.

Both generals would assume charge from Friday, the day the present army chief Gen. Pervaiz Kayani retires.

Raheel is currently serving as Inspector General of Training and Evaluation whereas Lt Gen Mahmood is serving as Chief of General Staff.

Both military officials met Sharif earlier in the day. The premier conveyed them the decision.

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