Former Army Chief Gen Abdul Waheed Kakar Passes Away In Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: General (retd) Abdul Waheed Kakar, former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Pakistan Army, passed away in Rawalpindi on Monday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced in an official statement. He was widely respected across military and civilian leadership for his professional service to the nation.

According to the military’s media wing, top leadership of the Pakistan Armed Forces, including the Chief of Army Staff and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), expressed deep sorrow and grief over the demise of the veteran commander. The military leadership extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, paying rich tribute to General Kakar’s dedicated service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s national security interests during a critical era.

General Abdul Waheed Kakar assumed command as the fifth Chief of Army Staff in January 1993, serving a full three-year term until January 1996. His tenure is historically significant for his neutral stance during the intense political crisis of July 1993. Under his leadership, the military facilitated a peaceful constitutional resolution to the deadlock between then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Ghulam Ishaq Khan, leading to fresh general elections and upholding constitutional continuity.

Following his retirement from active service, Gen Kakar maintained a low public profile while remaining a revered figure within defense circles. Funeral prayers and formal military rites are scheduled to be conducted in Rawalpindi, with senior military commanders, civil officials, and prominent dignitaries expected to pay their final respects to the former army chief.