Gen Sharif an important US partner against terrorism: McCain

Gen Raheel Sharif, who retired as Pakistan's army chief today, was an important partner of the US in the war against terror, said a top Republican Senator.
Sharif has been an important partner for the US in battle against terrorism, Senator John McCain, Chairman of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee said.
Since taking office in November 2013, Sharif has made a concerted effort to target terrorists operating within the borders of Pakistan and has carried the fight to the northwest frontier provinces of Pakistan, McCain said.
Sharif has demonstrated that taking action against extremist groups is firmly in the national security interests of Pakistan, he said.

"I wish General Sharif well as he enters a well-earned retirement. I know he will continue to serve the cause of Pakistan," he said.
McCain said Pakistan must demonstrate that the commitment to fighting domestic terrorism is not dependent on a single individual.

"I look forward to working with General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's selection to be the next Chief of Army Staff," he said.
"I congratulate Pakistan on carrying out a second consecutive transition of power in the military according to the processes established by the civilian government," McCain said.
Bajwa took over Raheel as Pakistan's new army chief today.

Raheel in January had declared that he would not seek an extension.