ISLAMABAD: (APP) President Mamnoon Hussain on Friday said that Pakistan Army under the leadership of General Raheel Sharif, in coordination with all state institutions, courageously confronted the internal and external challenges faced by the country during the last three years.
The President expressed these views while speaking at a farewell dinner he hosted for Chief of the Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The dinner was attended among others by chairman Senate, services chiefs, DG Inter Services Intelligence, federal ministers and parliamentarians.
The President congratulated General Raheel Sharif on the successful completion of his tenure as Chief of the Army Staff with honor and dignity.
He also appreciated Gen. Raheel Sharif for his leading role in the fight against terrorism and extremism through an effective strategy under the National Action Plan.
The President said that 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.
As bravery, professionalism and best discipline were the hallmark of Pakistan's armed forces, General Raheel Sharif further strengthened this identity of the armed forces during his term in service, he added.
The President appreciated the valour with which the internal and external challenges were tackled during the last three years.
He said that unity and harmony among all the state institutions was a must for the betterment of country and masses, adding the welfare of masses should be the focal point in state affairs.
The President wished General Raheel Sharif success in his future endeavors and prayed for his as well as his family's health, happiness and prosperity.
Earlier, the President and the Chief of Army Staff had a farewell meeting during which General Raheel Sharif thanked the President for his guidance and cooperation during his tenure as COAS.