ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Saturday stressed the need for larger tri-service coordination for strengthening defence of the motherland.
The outgoing army chief paid a farewell visit to Air Headquarters, where was received by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman and presented a guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). In a meeting, the air chief lauded General Raheel’s services for strengthening the defence of the motherland, as well as his contribution to an unprecedented tri-service synergy. He said that the Pakistan Army and PAF worked together during Operation Zarb-e-Azb to root out the menace of terrorism from the country. General Raheel Sharif appreciated the thorough professionalism and firm resolve of the PAF personnel to safeguard the aerial frontiers of the homeland. He expressed satisfaction over the seamless coordination between the sister services and wished to take it to further heights. Later in the day, General Raheel Sharif paid a farewell call on Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah at the Naval Headquarters. Upon arrival, the dignitary was received by Admiral Zakaullah. A smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Navy clad in ceremonial dress presented him a guard of honour. During a meeting, Admiral Zakaullah acknowledged and commended the remarkable services of Gen Raheel Sharif during his tenure as chief of army staff. Admiral Zakaullah also highlighted the success of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, which had a positive effect on Pakistan’s security, stability and progress. He attributed this landmark achievement to the sincerity of purpose and intrepid leadership of the COAS. General Raheel Sharif thanked Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah for the wholehearted support offered by the Pakistan Navy during his tenure and highly appreciated the navy’s role in safeguarding maritime frontiers. While highlighting the importance of the Pakistan Navy, the COAS said that contributions being made by the Pakistan Navy to guarantee impregnable seaward defence would have a far-reaching impact, as it was a prerequisite for the success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). General Raheel Sharif also appreciated the significant role played by the Pakistan Navy in extension of Pakistan’s Continental Shelf, which has opened new vistas of economic prosperity for Pakistan. While appreciating professionalism of officers and men of Pakistan Navy, the COAS said that the Pakistan Navy was one of the best navies of the region.