Raheel Sharif's retirement internal matter of Pakistan: US

ISLAMABAD: The US today declined to comment on the impending retirement of Pakistan's army chief General Raheel Sharif, describing it as an internal matter of the country.

"We have seen the reports about the chief of army staff transition. This is an internal Pakistani matter, and I would direct you to the government of Pakistan for any further information," a US State Department spokesperson said.

"We have seen the statements from ISPR announcing that Gen Raheel Sharif is stepping down as Chief of Army Staff at the end of his three-year term," Dawn newspaper quoted a statement as saying.

The statement noted that Raheel was "a valued and respected partner in the regional fight against terrorism throughout his years as army chief".

"We congratulate him and his family and wish them well," it added.

Raheel, 60, is set to retire on November 29.