New Pakistan Army Chief Lt Gen Raheel Sharif, brother of 1971 war hero

Zee Media Bureau

Islamabad: The next Army Chief of Pakistan Lt Gen Raheel Sharif is the brother of Major Shabbir Sharif, who was killed in the 1971 war with India. Shabbir was awarded Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan`s highest military gallantry award. He was also honoured with Sitara-e-Jurat. Shabbir is the only one who has been decorated with two biggest gallantry awards. Major Shabbir Sharif is credited with launching a major offensive against Indian positions in the western sector and was killed Dec 7, 1971 after heavy Indian shelling. Pakistan on Wednesday found the next Army Chief in Lt Gen Raheel Sharif, who will be replacing the outgoing COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. Besides promoting Inspector General Training and Evaluation Raheel Sharif as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also selected Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Rashad Mahmood as the Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee (CJCSC). Gen Sharif -- who is not related to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif -- will take charge of the world`s sixth largest army Friday and will hold the post for three years. Lt Gen Sharif`s prior appointments include Commander, Gujranwala XXX Corps, Commandant of Pakistan Military Academy Kakul and General Officer Commanding Lahore.