New Pak Army Chief Gen Sharif takes over

After graduation, he was commissioned in 1976 in the battle hardened and renowned 6th battalion The Frontier Force Regiment in which his elder brother was also commissioned.

As a young officer, he performed his duties in Gilgit in an infantry brigade and also served as adjutant of Pakistan Military Academy.

As a brigadier, he has commanded two infantry brigades including an independent infantry brigade group.

He has been the General Of?cer Commanding of an infantry division and the Commandant of the prestigious Pakistan Military Academy.

As a Lieutenant General, Sharif served as Corps Commander for two years before taking over as Inspector General Training and Evaluation in which capacity he oversaw the training of Pakistan Army.

He was also awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, the second highest civilian award an honour that is given to both civilians and military officers of the Pakistan armed forces.

On Nov 27, the government approved Raheel's appointment for the slot of Chief of Army Staff, a position that he took over from Ashfaq Parvez Kayani who stepped down on Nov 29 after serving as military chief for six years.

The general is married with two sons and a daughter.

The 57-year-old Sharif, who is considered an old India hand and whose elder brother died in the 1971 war with India, was chosen by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to end several months of speculation.

The appointment of Sharif comes amid tensions on the border with India and Pakistan's fight with Taliban insurgents and increased violence in the country.  

Pakistani analysts view Sharif, who will head the 600,000-strong army, as a moderate who sees the militant threat inside Pakistan as just as important as the strategic tussle with India.