Former army chief Abdul Waheed Kakar dies in Rawalpindi

“Former army chief retired General Abdul Waheed Kakar has died in Rawalpindi, drawing condolences from Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership.”

— Editorial Team

Key points

Former army chief retired General Abdul Waheed Kakar has died in Rawalpindi, drawing condolences from Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership.
He led the army from January 1993 to January 1996 and played a significant role during the country’s 1993 constitutional crisis.

General|By Editorial Team|Published 26-Oct-26|Latest update 10/26/2026, 8:49:49 AM|2 min read

Former chief of army staff retired General Abdul Waheed Kakar passed away in Rawalpindi on Monday, prompting condolences from Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership. The Inter-Services Public Relations confirmed his death and conveyed the armed forces’ sympathies to his family.

Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and personnel across all ranks expressed profound sorrow over the former army chief’s passing. The military paid tribute to his distinguished career, leadership and services to the country, while offering prayers for the bereaved family.

President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed grief and extended condolences to Kakar’s relatives. He acknowledged the former general’s contributions to Pakistan and prayed for strength for the family during the period of mourning.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remembered Kakar for his professional service and contributions to the armed forces. In his condolence message, the prime minister said the former army chief’s services would be remembered and offered prayers for the departed soul.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan joined the tributes, praising Kakar’s professional dedication and service to the nation. Messages from across the political spectrum reflected the former general’s prominent place in Pakistan’s recent military and political history.

Kakar served as Pakistan’s chief of army staff from January 1993 until January 1996. His tenure began during a period of intense institutional and political tension, placing him at the centre of developments that reshaped the country’s political landscape.

During the constitutional crisis of 1993, Kakar played a central role in efforts that resulted in both president Ghulam Ishaq Khan and prime minister Nawaz Sharif leaving office. The political transition was followed by general elections later that year, which brought Benazir Bhutto back to power.

He retired after completing his three-year term in January 1996. The tributes issued following his death highlighted his command experience, leadership and role during one of Pakistan’s most consequential periods of civil-military and constitutional uncertainty.