Former Chief of Army Staff General Abdul Waheed Kakar passed away in Rawalpindi on Monday at the age of 89, prompting tributes from military leadership, civilian officials, and political figures across Pakistan.
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, alongside all ranks of the Pakistan Army, expressed profound grief over the passing of the senior military figure. The military’s media affairs wing announced the death in a formal statement issued on Monday, October 26, 2026. The Inter-Services Public Relations stated that the Pakistan Army stands alongside the bereaved family in their hour of grief and extends heartfelt condolences. The military leadership also offered prayers, wishing that Allah Almighty grants the highest place in Jannah to the departed soul and provides the family with strength and patience.
Pakistan Leaders Pay Tribute to Late General
Tributes poured in immediately following the announcement from Rawalpindi.
The CDF and all ranks of the Pakistan Army pay tribute to the late general’s distinguished military career, leadership and invaluable services to the Pakistan Army.
Inter-Services Public Relations, Military Media Wing
Civilian leaders joined in offering condolences to the bereaved family. President Asif Ali Zardari conveyed sympathies from the President’s Office, offering prayers for forgiveness, eternal peace, and fortitude for the grieving family. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the general’s contributions through state broadcaster PTV, expressing grief over the passing and honoring his invaluable services to the Pakistan Armed Forces. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also expressed deep sorrow and offered support to the family during this difficult time.
Military Career Spanning from January 1993 to January 1996
General Kakar served as Pakistan’s 11th chief of army staff, holding the post from January 12, 1993, until his retirement on January 11, 1996. Commissioned into the army in 1959, he served through a distinct political and constitutional period in the nation’s history.
His tenure coincided with an acute deadlock between then-president Ghulam Ishaq Khan and then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif after the National Assembly was dissolved. Although the Supreme Court restored the government, political tensions persisted until General Kakar intervened, leading to the resignations of both leaders in July 1993. A caretaker administration took over, paving the way for general elections in October 1993 that brought Benazir Bhutto back to power. Having completed his designated three-year tenure, he stepped down in January 1996.
Political Figures Share Remembrances Nationwide
Political figures from across the spectrum recognized the late general’s role in national service. Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry shared a post on X expressing deep sadness and grief, describing the passing as a massive loss to the country and emphasizing that his services to the nation and the armed forces will always be remembered with dignity and respect.
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Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of the Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces (COAS &CDF) and all ranks of Pakistan Army express deep sorrow over the passing of General Abdul Waheed Kakar, NI (M) (Retired), former Chief of Army Staff, who passed away in Rawalpindi… pic.twitter.com/vBxnBdy7vA