Former Army Chief General (Retd) Abdul Waheed Kakar Dies at 89 in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: Former Chief of Army Staff General (retired) Abdul Waheed Kakar died in Rawalpindi on Monday. He was 89.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, confirmed his death, saying Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with all ranks of the Pakistan Army, had expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former army chief.

“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,” the ISPR statement said. “The Pakistan Army shares the grief of the bereaved family and offers its heartfelt condolences. May Allah Almighty grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannah and give the family strength and patience.”

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condoled the death. The president conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the late general’s forgiveness, while the prime minister paid tribute to what he called Kakar’s invaluable services to the army.

Fifth army chief, 1993 to 1996

Kakar was Pakistan’s fifth chief of army staff, holding the post from 12 January 1993 to 12 January 1996. Born on 23 March 1937, he was commissioned into the Frontier Force Regiment and served in the wars of 1965 and 1971.

His tenure is best remembered for the constitutional crisis of 1993, when a bitter standoff between President Ghulam Ishaq Khan and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had pushed the country towards political deadlock. Kakar helped steer both men towards resignation, clearing the way for general elections and a return to the democratic process.

A commander known for principle

Senior journalist Hamid Mir, in his condolence message, recalled that Kakar had been offered an extension of service a few weeks before his retirement — and had politely declined it. Mir also noted that during his tenure, Kakar took strict legal and administrative action, without discrimination, against officers who interfered in politics.

After retirement, Kakar lived a quiet life in Rawalpindi, away from the public eye. He is remembered as a commander whose professional reputation and adherence to principle were acknowledged even by those who disagreed with him.