KARACHI: United States (US) State Department Spokesman Mark Toner on Wednesday declined to comment on a question regarding US Senator John McCain's statements apparently calling for an extension in Gen Raheel Sharif's tenure as chief of army staff (COAS).

A controvery emerged over McCain's statements after a local news channel reported the senator had called for an extension in Gen Raheel's term as COAS.

A reporter at the State Department briefing said "According to Senator McCain, he wanted to see General Raheel Sharif continue as chief of army staff so that the military operations can be continued in the tribal area or other parts of the country. You want to comment on that?"

"I don't," Toner responded. "We welcome, as I said, General Sharif’s comments... I would simply state that it is in the US’s long-term national interests to support Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism, violent extremism, and build a more stable and democratic society. I’ll leave it there."

In an interview, an ARY News correspondent asked Senator McCain: "He [Gen Raheel] will be off the screen in a couple of months. What would you do if you were in place of Nawaz Sharif?"

McCain responds, "It's hard for me to say what should happen. I don't think it's appropriate for me to say what should happen within the decision making inside the government of Pakistan.

"I do believe General Raheel Sharif is an outstanding leader and I hope that he will be able to continue to serve the country in these very difficult times."

Earlier this month, Senator McCain visited Pakistan and said he was deeply impressed by General Raheel’s leadership skills. He termed the situation in Waziristan agency satisfying and lauded the armed forces for clearing tribal areas off terrorists.