Former army chief Gen (retd) Abdul Waheed Kakar dies in Rawalpindi

General (retd) Abdul Waheed Kakar, a former Chief of Army Staff, passed away in Rawalpindi on Monday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military's media wing, said. Business Recorder reported that he was 89 years old.

According to the ISPR, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who is Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, and all ranks of the Pakistan Army expressed deep sorrow over his death. They paid tribute to his distinguished military career, his leadership and his services to the Pakistan Army.

The ISPR said the army shares the grief of the bereaved family and offers its condolences. It added a prayer that the departed soul be granted a high place in paradise and that the family be given strength and patience.

The Express Tribune reported that General Kakar was the fifth Chief of Army Staff. He was appointed by then prime minister Nawaz Sharif on 12 January 1993 and retired in 1996 after completing a three-year tenure.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief and conveyed condolences and sympathy to the family, according to a statement reported by the Associated Press of Pakistan. He prayed for the forgiveness of the late general.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep grief and sorrow, the Prime Minister's Office said, paying tribute to his services to the Pakistan Army. The prime minister prayed for the departed soul and for patience and strength for the family.

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said in a post on X that the general's national services and contributions to the army would always be remembered with honour, and called his death a great loss for the country.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also expressed profound grief. Express News reported that governors, chief ministers and other government and political figures likewise offered condolences.