Assuming office on November 2013, General Raheel Sharif served as the 15th Army Chief of Pakistan. With command of a total of three years, Sharif left behind a respected and exemplary legacy for both within the boundaries of the nation and beyond. Respected by all, he is known to be the architect of the offensive operation Zarb e Azb launched by the Pakistan Army against Tehreek e Taliban in 2014. His leadership is what helped curb the hegemony of the terrorist groups. This popular example on counterterrorism is what shall make Sharif’s name written on gold, for perhaps forever. He gave in more than what the nation required, ending his tenure on the highest note possible. Here are some of the achievements that make him stand atop of all his contemporaries and also those following him.
The immediate relations of General Raheel Sharif that served in the Pakistan Army and have laid down their lives for its sovereignty are;
Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) (uncle)
Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) (brother)
Captain Mumtaz Sharif (brother)
Awards & Honours
Ranked number 1 amongst the top 10 best military commanders of the world in 2016, Sharif has been awarded many medals in return for his services. As a token of thanks for his work against terrorism, he was awarded medals by 5 countries namely Saudi Arabia, USA, Turkey, Jordan and Brazil. Furthermore, operation Zarb e Azb, deriving its name from the sword of the Prophet (SAWW), had success with far-reaching effects that added more praise to his name in front of the world.
Service Medals
- 10 Years Service Medal
- 20 Years Service Medal
- 30 Years Service Medal
- Command and Staff College Centenary Medal
Non-Operational Military Awards
- Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Order of Excellence Military)
- Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Crescent of Excellence)
Commemorative Medal
- Qarardad-e-Pakistan Tamgha (Resolution Day Golden Jubilee Medal)
- Tamgha-e-Istaqlal (Escalation versus India Medal)
- Hijri Tamgha (Hijri Medal)
- Tamgha-e-Jamhuriat (Democracy Medal)
- Independence Day Golden Jubilee Medal
- Tamgha-e-Baqa (Nuclear Test Medal)
Foreign Awards
- Order of Abdulaziz al Saud (Saudi Arabia)
- Legion of Merit (United States)
- Order of Military Merit (Brazil)
- Order of the Military Merit (Jordan)
- Legion of Merit of Turkey
CPEC- Gawadar
The Gawadar Port started in 2002 and was inaugurated in 2007 by General Pervez Musharraf. As a result of Sharif’s untiring efforts, support and frequent visits, CPEC dreams became true and the Gawadar Port went operational on 13th November 2013. Despite the harsh weather and rugged terrain, Pakistan Army engineers were able to carry well the project on time.
The decline in Terrorism by Gen. Raheel Sharif
As compared to 2013, terrorism in Pakistan declined by 70% by the end of his tenure. In the words of Ali Haider Gillani, ‘General Raheel Sharif is the only person Taliban fear.’ Gillani, son of former Pakistani Prime Minister was held captive for 3 years.
Front-Line Leadership
Spending Eids with Jawans on the frontlines, General Raheel Sharif always stood hand in hand with those defending the nation. He never once failed in reaching the terror sites himself to offering the funeral prayers of those martyred and then consoling their families. Always being there for his people, he always displayed the best possible form of leadership one could.
General Raheel Sharif – A Ray of Hope
The shattering of the nation after the worst attack on humanity at APS Peshawar, was when Gen Raheel Sharif appeared as a ray of hope and symbol of courage for the whole of the nation. His presence when the school re-opened adding to the smiles and confidence of the students made them remember it forever that their Army Chief was there for them during the toughest part of their lives.
Revolving his service around courage and competence, General Raheel Sharif successfully silenced his critics by improving situations for Pakistanis who had been continuous prey to extremism and terrorism. Taking bold steps with courage all throughout, he has indeed set a high legacy for all his successors to follow.
