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Former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen Rizwan Akhtar on Saturday requested early retirement from the Pakistan Army citing "pressing personal commitments".
Gen Akhtar, in a letter, asked for "premature release" starting Oct 9, 2017, after nearly 35 years of active commissioned service in the armed forces.
"I want everyone [...] to respect my decision and not succumb or resort to speculation in any domain. I shall be available for any service in the army whenever needed," he added.
Akhtar, who was replaced by Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar as director general (DG) ISI, was posted as president of the National Defence University two weeks after Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa took oath last year.
Gen Akhtar is a graduate of the Command and Staff College in Quetta, National Defence University and the Army War College, USA. He was commissioned in the Pakistan Army in Frontier Force Regiment in September 1982.
He is from the Frontier Force Regiment and commanded the infantry brigade and infantry division in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).
Previously as DG Rangers Sindh, Gen Akhtar had been assigned with the task to lead the Karachi operation which began in 2013. But the military had replaced him as DG Rangers Sindh with Maj Gen Bilal Akbar in 2014.
He is considered to have extensive experience of counterinsurgency from a previous posting in the border region of South Waziristan.
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Comments (72) Closed
Oct 08, 2017 12:01pm
He will be available for any service for Pakistan whenever needed.
He should serve remaining life in Pakistan. He is the assets of Pakistan.
I personally very disappointed from the decision.
We are Pakistan, Pakistan Zindabad
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Oct 08, 2017 12:18pm
After the current administration of army transfered him to NDU the instant thought which came to the minds of observers was that he was cornered. He did not show the sudden reaction after his transfer in the hope of things would get better. Now the thought of being cornered may have overwhelmed him that is why he is resigning. When a person is talented and has potential not only that he has enjoyed the limelight then to bear the relegation to sideline is excruciatingly painful. In ideal world a person thinks that this should not have happened but in real world this is how things always take place.
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Oct 08, 2017 12:40pm
Heartbreaking news at the crunch time. His services will be long remembered. He is one of those war hero who is given credit to bring peace to Karachi. It is hoped that Pakistan will acquire his service in some other capacity.
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Oct 08, 2017 12:43pm
He is really a top commander of men and a true patriot. His meritorious service includes counter insurgency and anti terrorist duties in FATA and Karachi. High regards for him. All the best general.
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Oct 08, 2017 12:58pm
Interesting comments... In Pakistan, no one resigns with all those perks without a valid reason. We do not have the facts or figures, we have to analyze it subjectively and objectively. so much is going within our own country. Lots of international pressure who know what the truth is... The fact of the matter is...The truth is you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed especially in Pakistan...
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Oct 08, 2017 01:06pm
I want him to be next NAB DG.
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Oct 08, 2017 01:10pm
Good patriot officers like him should continue to serve in national interest as it may be great loss to Pak land.
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Oct 08, 2017 01:10pm
People come and go, but some are missed dearly. He is one of those people. The architect of Karachi Operation, brought peace to my city.
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Oct 08, 2017 01:11pm
Pretty unusual for someone of Gen Rizwan's stature to take a retirement an year early...there were rumors of similar sorts when Gen Bajwa was given preference over some really outstanding Generals.
I hope and pray it has nothing to do with current political situation of the country...
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Oct 08, 2017 01:13pm
@M Riaz Khan Advocate Exactly. Irritants if any be removed. He is assets of PAKISTAN.
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Oct 08, 2017 01:47pm
@M Riaz Khan Advocate : It is high tradition of Pakistan that if one is superseded, he resigns, but is available for any national service.
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Oct 08, 2017 01:54pm
Thank u General
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Oct 08, 2017 02:16pm
@Imtiaz Khan hes done bro.. move on!! good riddance
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Oct 08, 2017 02:38pm
Honest people know their limits hats off to him.
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Oct 08, 2017 02:50pm
@khanm Well said.
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Oct 08, 2017 02:52pm
Hate to see him go. Such officers are hard to come by. Pakistanis hope that he would have a bigger and more important role to play for Pakistan.
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Oct 08, 2017 03:03pm
Perhaps, it is part of the process of "putting the house in order".
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Oct 08, 2017 03:27pm
@SK Then Politician swamp will become band masters.
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Oct 08, 2017 03:30pm
Lt Gen Rizwan Akhtar is Cornered in the Army.
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Oct 08, 2017 03:32pm
@Adnan Ali
National Security is whats top notch priority of National Defense Authority. When you make a royal & rumble when country is facing serious threats at India Afghan Borders. Core-commanders needed reports. which led him to be cornered.Army knows what ought to be done.
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Oct 08, 2017 03:33pm
Was ineffective and inefficient. Good officers will get a chance to get promoted.
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Oct 08, 2017 04:04pm
What i can tell is he wanted to be on the field not just sidelined he had such a great potential he should've given the command of southern command but anyway i respect his decision best of luck sir for the retirement life
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Oct 08, 2017 04:05pm
I wanted him to be next army chief he had such great potential
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Oct 08, 2017 04:07pm
Rizwan Sab, love & best wishes from Darul Sukun
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Oct 08, 2017 04:20pm
I would not expect him to say any different than what he did, but people read behind the lines, and it is so very obvious.
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Oct 08, 2017 04:25pm
Wasn't his brother involved in massive corruption?
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Oct 08, 2017 04:57pm
For sure, it takes special guts and a distinguished set of grit to resign when at the helm in any country of the world in general and 57 plus Islamic countries including the "land of the pure," in particular. Salute and kudos to him to take early retirement due to encapsulating private, personal and intimate obligations and commitments. Keep it up and hang on tough. May God Almighty bless you and your loved ones and grant you long life, better health, more wisdom and bundles of wealth. Aameen, Tsum Aameen.
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Oct 08, 2017 05:21pm
Not a good news. Merit based system in every sphere can help minimize such casualties. Good bye officer.
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Oct 08, 2017 05:41pm
Apart from all other things, You will be remembered for bringing "burning and bleeding Karachi" in order. You dreamt peace in Karachi, which came true. Best wishes for your future plans.
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Oct 08, 2017 05:50pm
Though he wants to quit, but where is the will of institution?? how can be a professional soldier released so easily? Is there any system exist to assess the real reason of such surprising outcomes? He is a national hero, its a request to tackle the matter on merit. A devoted soldier like him would never prefer any personal thing over national interest.
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Oct 08, 2017 05:54pm
@Adnan Ali NS is still working though from abroad. Remove this party from power and Pakistan will stabelize over night.
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Oct 08, 2017 06:15pm
A request for early retirement is very different from being granted one. Please understand this distinction properly.
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Oct 08, 2017 07:44pm
Nobody resigns in Pakistan; only force retirement
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Oct 08, 2017 07:57pm
Congrats Gen Akhtar. Outstanding officer of Pak Army.
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Oct 08, 2017 08:21pm
Disappointed.. He Could be very valid candidate for the post of Coas after Gen Bajwa
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Oct 08, 2017 09:11pm
@Adnan Ali
well said.
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Oct 08, 2017 10:14pm
He is a good guy.
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Oct 08, 2017 10:44pm
We the literate people of Pakistan well know why he is taking early retirement, How establishment save there people from court of justice, Law is only for politicians and ordinary people..
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Oct 08, 2017 11:22pm
Good bye
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Oct 09, 2017 12:43am
Bad news for nation
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Oct 09, 2017 02:18am
@Adnan Ali Cornered for a reason?
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Oct 09, 2017 06:34am
@M Riaz Khan Advocate , Majority of great officers from our military when retiring, will leave the window open to return in case the country needs them, its the way it is, that is a way for an officer and a soldier to show his pride and love for his and her country. As for remaining in Pakistan for the rest of his life? Why? The man has already given 35 good years to his country and citizens.
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Oct 09, 2017 07:28am
Due to his brother corruption
20 million just from Karachi
Brother also 3 star general
But he is free , no arrest has been made
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Oct 09, 2017 08:00am
@ajay yes ajay he was already doing a lot of useful like clearing up indian mess. He will keep on doing it.
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Oct 09, 2017 09:35am
good for him....
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Oct 09, 2017 10:47am
Is it a sign of dissent?
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Oct 09, 2017 11:01am
this seems to be forced retirement
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Oct 09, 2017 11:05am
At least loss of very valuable talent - hence sad day for the armed forces and the country.
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Oct 09, 2017 11:08am
Real hero....
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Oct 09, 2017 11:09am
REAL HERO
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Oct 09, 2017 11:25am
I see people are a bit emotional here perhaps not aware of his tenure in Karachi. Rumour has it he is probably one of the most corrupt DG Rangers ever served in any part of the country.
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Oct 09, 2017 01:21pm
@SK
Sir, your wish is a command and an order and it would be obeyed soon?
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Oct 09, 2017 01:23pm
@Asif A. Shah
Sir, past deeds are catching up with him. Refer to the statements of Joint Chief of US Armed Forces.
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Oct 09, 2017 01:24pm
@M. Emad
Sir, you are right in the light of statements emanating from US Government, particularly that of the Joint Chief of US Armed Forces.
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Oct 09, 2017 01:26pm
@Yahya Ali
Sir, your wish is a command and an order. It would be fulfilled soon.
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Oct 09, 2017 01:51pm
So many government servants take early retirements and it does not become a news. What is the big deal if he is retiring. No one is indispensable for the system. What extra ordinary qualities he had? He was just a mediocre person. He deliberately made this press coverage. Good riddance. Now, he should do some useful thing in his life, if he has any ability.
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Oct 09, 2017 02:18pm
News is that he has been asked to resign due to him and his brother's involvement in huge corruption. This is the difference, if a civilian does corruption he is sent to jail but if a boy does it, he is simply asked for resignation.....Pakistan Zindabad....
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Oct 09, 2017 02:51pm
Put this together with recent statements from US. Its nice to pretend that the nation does not care about what US says. Rhetoric is one thing reality is another.
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Oct 09, 2017 03:46pm
@asif
yes forced retirement as you say due to brother being highly corrupt and stealing people's money
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Oct 09, 2017 04:09pm
There are always dissenters, he wants no part in the upcoming military coup by the generals that will see the end of the nation.
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Oct 09, 2017 04:13pm
surprised decision
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Oct 09, 2017 04:36pm
In my view, he is the best option for Chairman NAB. Our country is in need of persons who are much dedicated to Pakistan.
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Oct 09, 2017 08:21pm
@Adnan Ali.. A great competent officer who showed his worth n proved talent particularly he deserves appreciation for bringing Peace in Kci.But competent officers r not tolerated. The government shd avail of his services being asset.
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Oct 10, 2017 08:07am
Having made his money, next step...move to either USA or Europe.
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Oct 10, 2017 08:51am
His unnecessary remarks about karachi and the loyalty of its citizens got him in trouble. I am sure he blurted the words wrongly and it came out badly. Wish him good luck.
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Oct 10, 2017 09:05am
Lt Gen Rizwan Akhtar is indeed one of our finest soldiers, It is heart breaking to hear his decision about early retirement. His service to Pakistan, especially Karachi will always be remembered. We wish him all the best, though I pray he can serve Pakistan in some other capacity, We need men like him.
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Oct 10, 2017 09:48am
Heartbreaking news at the crunch time. His services will be long remembered. He is one of those war hero who is given credit to bring peace to Karachi. It is hoped that Pakistan will acquire his service in some other capacity.
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Oct 10, 2017 09:51am
heartbreaking news at the time..his service will be longed from pak n pak army,,,
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Oct 10, 2017 03:27pm
Very sad to hear about his premature retirement .He's Good patriot officer and during his posting in Karachi 2013 , he control the Karachi Law and order situation very well.
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Oct 10, 2017 04:36pm
@Aamee really what kind of rumours please elaborate since you know your facts really well.
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Oct 10, 2017 04:41pm
@Rajesh you must know your facts really well. Lets see what he decides till then keep waiting.
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Oct 11, 2017 08:19am
Army is a strong institution ...its makes no difference who comes and goes......
There are rumours that he had left no option except resignation because of his corruption...if it is true then he should be under bar and forcibly retirement is not enugh....
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