ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Friday said unity and harmony among all the state institutions was a must for the betterment of the country and its people.

Speaking at a farewell dinner he hosted for Chief of the Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif, the president said that the army under his leadership and in coordination with all state institutions, had courageously confronted the internal and external challenges faced by the country during the past three years.

The dinner was attended, among others, by the services chiefs, federal ministers and parliamentarians.

The president congratulated Gen Sharif on the successful completion of his tenure as COAS with honour and dignity.

He praised the retiring army chief for his leading role in the fight against terrorism and extremism through an effective strategy under the National Action Plan.

“Gen Raheel Sharif during his term as COAS served the country as a true professional soldier and set an excellent tradition of moving ahead in mutual harmony with all state institutions,” the president said.

“Bravery, professionalism and best discipline are the hallmark of Pakistan’s armed forces and Gen Raheel Sharif further strengthened this identity of the armed forces during his term in service,” he said.

Earlier, the president and the COAS had a farewell meeting during which Gen Sharif thanked the him for his guidance and cooperation during his tenure as army chief.

GARRISONS: Earlier, Gen Sharif addressed officers and men of the Multan and Bahawalpur corps at Okara Garrison, APP adds.

According to a press release issued by ISPR, the COAS praised their professionalism and dedication in maintaining an effective vigil along the international border in a harsh desert environment, achieving highest training standards and reaching out to people for help in cases of calamities or disasters.

The COAS inaugurated a special children’s school for both civil and military families in the region and spent time with its students and staff.

On his arrival, the COAS was received by Multan Corps Commander Lt Gen Ishfaq Nadeem Ahmad and Bahawalpur Corps Commander Lt Gen Javed Iqbal.

The COAS also addressed officers and men of the 10 Corps at Chaklala Garrison.

Published in Dawn November 26th, 2016