General Raheel Sharif stands out as one of the most respected military leaders in the history of Pakistan. He took command of the Pakistan Army during a very tough time. The country faced massive security threats from various militant groups.
He accepted these challenges and worked hard to restore peace. We will look closely at his life and military journeys. You will learn about his major achievements, his strategic vision, and his legacy in Pakistan.
Early life and family background
General Raheel Sharif was born on June 16, 1956, in Quetta. Quetta is the capital city of the Balochistan province. He belongs to a Punjabi Rajput family with deep roots in the town of Kunjah in Gujrat. His family holds a very proud and prominent military background.
His father, Major Muhammad Sharif, served dedicatedly in the military. General Raheel Sharif is the youngest of three brothers and two sisters. Military bravery runs deep in his blood.
His elder brother, Major Shabbir Sharif, fought bravely in the 1971 war. The state awarded Major Shabbir Sharif the Nishan e Haider. This is the highest military award in Pakistan. Major Shabbir Sharif also received the Sitara e Jurat in 1965.
His second brother, Captain Mumtaz Sharif, also served in the Pakistan Army. Captain Mumtaz received the Sitara e Basalat for his immense bravery. He saved his fellow soldiers from a burning tank during a training accident.
From his mother’s side, General Raheel Sharif is related to Major Raja Aziz Bhatti. Major Aziz Bhatti is another famous recipient of the Nishan e Haider for his supreme sacrifice in the 1965 war. General Raheel Sharif grew up surrounded by these stories of extreme honor and sacrifice. He is married and has three sons and one daughter.
Education and early military career
He received his early education at Garrison Boys High School in Lahore. Later, he attended the famous Government College in Lahore. He then joined the Pakistan Military Academy for the 54th long course. He passed out in October 1976.
The army commissioned him into the 6th Battalion of the Frontier Force Regiment. His brave elder brother had also served in this exact same regiment. As a young officer, he performed his duties with great focus.
He served as an adjutant at the Pakistan Military Academy. He also joined an infantry brigade in Gilgit. These early roles helped him understand the complex geography and security needs of Pakistan.
Rising through the ranks
General Raheel Sharif steadily proved his leadership skills over the years. He commanded two infantry units as Lieutenant Colonel. He also acted as a Brigade Commander in Sialkot during the 1999 Kargil conflict.
In 2000, the army gave him control of the Gujranwala district. He brought massive administrative and social reforms to that area. People highly praised his management skills.
As a Brigadier, he commanded two different infantry brigades. In 2001, he became the Chief of Staff of the 30 Corps in Gujranwala. Later, the military posted him as the Chief of Staff at the Corps Headquarters in Quetta.
In 2004, he traveled to the United Kingdom to study. He joined the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies. He graduated from this college with high distinction. In 2005, the army promoted him to Major General.
He took command of the 11th Infantry Division in Lahore. He commanded this division for over two years. After that, he became the Commandant of the Pakistan Military Academy.
The military then promoted him to Lieutenant General. He served as the Corps Commander of Gujranwala. Before becoming the army chief, he worked as the Inspector General for Training and Evaluation.
In this role, he improved military colleges across the country. He provided special training to troops for fighting hidden enemies. He shifted the focus of the army toward fighting internal terrorism.
Becoming the chief of army staff
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appointed him as the 15th Chief of Army Staff on November 27, 2013. This appointment brought a new wave of hope to the nation. General Raheel Sharif quickly showed that he meant business.
He firmly believed that internal terrorism was the biggest threat to Pakistan. He focused the entire energy of the military on cleaning the country of militant groups.
Key achievements and military operations
General Raheel Sharif launched several decisive actions during his time in office. He targeted militants without any discrimination.
Operation Zarb e Azb
His most famous achievement is Operation Zarb e Azb. The army launched this massive military operation in North Waziristan. For years, militants had used this region as a safe hiding place. General Raheel Sharif ordered the troops to clear the area completely.
The military destroyed terrorist networks, bomb making factories, and training camps. This operation brought incredible stability to the entire country. Terrorist attacks dropped by 80 percent during his leadership.
The Karachi operation
Karachi is the commercial heart of Pakistan. In 2013, it was the sixth most dangerous city in the world. Target killings, kidnappings, and gang wars destroyed the peace of the city. General Raheel Sharif expanded the role of paramilitary forces in Karachi.
The Sindh Rangers conducted heavy raids against criminals and political militant wings. The crime rate dropped massively. By 2017, Karachi was no longer on the list of the top 100 dangerous cities. The citizens of Karachi finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Securing the China Pakistan economic corridor
The China Pakistan Economic Corridor brings massive investment to Pakistan. It includes roads, ports, and power plants. Enemies of Pakistan wanted to stop this progress. General Raheel Sharif knew the importance of this project.
He created a special security division. This new brigade level military unit protected the trade routes and Chinese workers. His quick actions made the investors feel completely safe.
Impact on national security and foreign policy
General Raheel Sharif left a huge mark on the foreign policy of Pakistan. He improved the defense industry of the country. This effort saved Pakistan over one billion dollars in foreign exchange. He also strengthened ties with global powers he worked closely with the United States to secure the Afghan border. He also made history by conducting the first ever joint military exercises with Russia. Furthermore, he deepened the strategic friendship with China.
Raheel Sharif achieved all his security goals while respecting the civilian government. He let the elected leaders handle the economy and social policies. He only focused on keeping the country safe from internal and external threats.
Post retirement role in Saudi Arabia
General Raheel Sharif retired on November 29, 2016. The whole nation praised his incredible service. However, his mission to fight terrorism did not end there. In April 2017, the government allowed him to take a new global role.
He became the first commander of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition. This is a massive military alliance of 41 Muslim countries. The headquarters of this coalition is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He continues to share his vast knowledge of counter terrorism with the Muslim world.
A legacy of peace and stability
The legacy of General Raheel Sharif is visible in the peaceful streets of Pakistan today. He made tough decisions when the country needed them the most. And he united the nation against terrorism. He always led his troops from the front.
People in Pakistan remember him as a hero who restored their safety and dignity. His name will always shine brightly in the history of the Pakistan Army.
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Frequently asked questions
Q1. When did General Raheel Sharif become the Army Chief?
He became the 15th Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan on November 27, 2013.
Q2. What is Operation Zarb e Azb?
It is a major military operation launched to clear militant hiding spots in North Waziristan.
Q3. How did he help Karachi?
He gave more power to the Rangers to arrest criminals and gang members, which made the city safe again.
Q4. What is his current job?
He serves as the head of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition in Saudi Arabia.
Q5. Did any of his family members win the Nishan e Haider?
Yes, his elder brother Major Shabbir Sharif and his uncle Major Raja Aziz Bhatti both won the Nishan e Haider.
