Lieutenant general raheel sharif biography of abraham

A SUGGESTION to elevate Gen Raheel Sharif to rank of field marshal is rumoured to be under consideration. Some media reports maintain that a decision has already been made. There is, however, no confirmation or denial from either the government or the military spokesman, raising questions about the credibility of these stories. There are some reports that the offer came as an alternative to a request made by the general seeking an extension of his tenure that the prime minister is reluctant to grant.

It all sounds so surreal as only months ago the general had promised to bow out at the end of his term in November this year. It would tarnish the image of a good general were this report about his impending elevation true. He certainly does not need the grand but ceremonial title of field marshal in recognition of his great services for the nation. Indeed, Gen Sharif must be given credit for leading from the front the fight against the militants challenging the state. But one must not ignore the contribution of other commanders too in this war that has been going on for more than a decade.

It is most intriguing how the rumour about a mere proposal was circulated and politicised. Is it a game of deception? Firstly, it will not be easy to create this position without a constitut

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IT’S silly season again. For some reason the week began with, the best there was, the best there is, the best there ever will be — King Raheel. May God save him and may he save the rest of us.

Then, because the gods like to play around with us, the Badaber hiccup happened. But, because he’s also Teflon Raheel, it didn’t matter.

A massive attack was thwarted. Thirty lives were lost, but tragedy was averted. The chief was on the ground and in charge. The terrorists will never win while Raheel is around.

It’s easy to forget that we’ve seen all of this before.

Back when Musharraf was king, back when Kayani was saviour. It’s pretty standard fare, a pretty standard arc. Luckily for Raheel, memories here are shorter than a chief’s tenure.

Go back to 2002. Musharraf had saved Pakistan. The court had given him three years; he had taken over with economic collapse beckoning and when Pakistan was an international pariah after the nuclear tests.

For good measure, the outside world had tired of dictators in Pakistan.

Three years in, Pakistan was in love with its commando. 9/11 may have helped rehabilitate him internationally, but his seven-point agenda had helped steady the ship domestically.

Corruption was down, professionalism was in, the country looked like it was set to go plac