Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. New Pakistan Army Chief Takes Command Pakistan`s army chief since 2007, General Ashfaq Kayani, has handed over the reins of power to his successor. General Raheel Sharif, a career military officer, formally took charge from his predecessor Friday at a ceremony at military headquarters in Rawalpindi. The Pakistani army chief post is one of the most powerful positions in the troubled military-dominated nation. The departing Kayani`s command saw Pakistan`s first ever transition of power from one democratically elected government to another with the general election in May. Kayani`s tenure has been marked by the military`s fight against the Pakistani Taliban, who have killed thousands of people in the battle against the state. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif passed over at least one senior officer to appoint Raheel Sharif to his new post as army chief. The two men share the same surname, but are not related. Before his new appointment, Sharif was a lieutenant general who served as corps commander for two years before taking over a position (as inspector general training and evaluation) in which he oversaw the training of the Pakistani army. __________________________________________________________________ [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/new-pakistan-army-chief-takes-command /1800083.html References 1. http://www.voanews.com/content/new-pakistan-army-chief-takes-command/1800083.html