US Senator John McCain Has Called For Extension In Tenure Of Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif

Umer Jamshaid Published July 08, 2016 | 01:37 PM

Islamabad, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th july, 2016) : US Senator John McCain has asked for extending the incumbency of Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif. Mr. McCain said Gen Sharif has complete control over military affairs.

He also stated that the Chief of Army Staff can help to develop Pak-US relations. The army chief had issued a statement, saying he doesn’t consider in expansion of his service and at the same time declared that he will retire on the due date that falls in November 2016.

Senator McCain expressed his appreciation for the army chief and termed him an able military officer. He said the Pak army chief and other officials had some uncertainties over Afghan policy. The US senator said he was surprised to find out Pak Army had lost its 6,000 soldiers in the war on terror.

On July 3, after visiting North Waziristan recently retaken by the military, Mr. McCain had appreciated Pakistan’s hard work in the fight against the Taliban. A four-member US Senate delegation led by the former presidential aspirant went to North Waziristan, where in 2014 the army initiated an operation to wipe out combative foundations.

“Good delegation mtg w/ Chief of Army Staff of #Pakistan Gen Raheel Sharif & discussing regional security challenges,” McCain said on his verified Twitter account, also posting photos of the delegation’s visit to Waziristan.