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ISLAMABAD (PTI): The government has named Air Marshal Tahir Rafiq Butt as the next chief of the Pakistan Air Force.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani advised the President, the supreme commander of Pakistan's armed forces, to appoint Butt the new chief of the PAF as he is the senior-most serving officer, said a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

Butt will replace Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, who is set to retire on March 17.

Suleman recently said he did not want an extension in service and would call it a day when he reaches the age of retirement.

Suleman had noted that Butt was the senior-most officer in the line of succession as he was currently vice chief of air staff.

Suleman superseded three senior air marshals to become the PAF chief on March 18, 2009.

Butt was commissioned as a pilot in March 1977. During his career, he has commanded a fighter squadron, a fighter wing, an operational base and a regional air command.