'Karachi operation will continue' COAS assures President

ISLAMABAD: Outgoing Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif paid a farewell call on President Mamnoon Hussain at President House in Islamabad on Friday, ARY News reported.

A farewell ceremony and dinner in honour of the outgoing Army chief was hosted by the president. Naval Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah and Air Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman were also present on the occasion.

Mamnoon Hussain said Raheel Sharif has assured that the operation in Karachi to establish peace would continue.

“I had apprehension whether Karachi operation will continue or not, however the general has given assurance for its continual till a conclusive end which is satisfactory for me,” he said.

The president said Army under supervision of Raheel Sharif launched operation Zarb-e-Azb, operation in Balochistan and Karachi operation. It is a golden era for our forces which would be remembered by the protagonists of the operations all their lives, he said.

He congratulated the COAS on completing his service tenure and lauded his role in eliminating anarchy and terrorism from Pakistan. The president also appreciated the policy of National Action Plan headed by Raheel Sharif against terrorism across the country.

“General Raheel has earned huge respect and love of masses. Hopefully, he will continue to do such works for welfare of people after retirement which will augment his respect among them,” he said.

The president later also presented a souvenir to the army chief.