He is everywhere in Pakistan. Visiting injured soldiers in hospitals, meeting with corps commanders and being photographed doing it, inaugurating civilian projects, praying with jihadis, and wearing turbans over fatigues. You would be forgiven if you think that elections are on in Pakistan and the Army Chief is campaigning for votes.

General Raheel Sharif is due to retire next year but calls are being made now to grant him an extension. Former Army Chief General Musharraf, who gave himself a five-year extension and then installed himself as president, has said that good work would go waste if Gen Sharif retires.