Former army chief Abdul Waheed Kakar passes away in Rawalpindi: ISPR

CDF Munir, all ranks of army pay tribute to late general's 'distinguished military career, leadership'

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former COAS (Retd) General Abdul Waheed Kakar who passed away in Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

According to the military's media wing, CDF Munir, along with all ranks of the Pakistan Army, paid tribute "to the late general's distinguished military career, leadership and invaluable services to the Pakistan Army."

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

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

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) October 26, 2026

General Kakar served as the fifth COAS, appointed by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on 12 January 1993. Upon the completion of his three-year tenure, he retired in 1996.

Political leaders condole death

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over General Kakar's passing, conveying "heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the family."

He also extended prayers for the late general's forgiveness. "May Allah Almighty grant the deceased a place in His mercy," the president's X account posted.

صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری کا سابق چیف آف آرمی اسٹاف جنرل (ر) عبدالوحید کاکڑ کے انتقال پر اظہارِ افسوس۔

صدرِ مملکت کا جنرل (ر) عبدالوحید کاکڑ کے انتقال پر اہلِ خانہ سے دلی تعزیت اور ہمدردی کا اظہار۔

صدر زرداری کی مرحوم جنرل (ر) عبدالوحید کاکڑ کے لیے دعائے مغفرت۔

اللّہ تعالیٰ… pic.twitter.com/4fnSNeuzt3

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) October 26, 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed "deep grief and sorrow" over General Kakar's passing, paying tribute to "his invaluable services to the Pakistan Army," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.

It added that PM Shehbaz extended heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family. "May Allah Almighty grant the departed a high place in His mercy and give the bereaved the strength to bear this loss, Ameen," the PMO said.

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry in a post on X said he was "deeply saddened and grieved" to hear of General Kakar's passing.

جنرل (ر) عبدالوحید کاکڑ، سابق سربراہ پاک فوج کے انتقال کی خبر سن کر دلی دکھ اور افسوس ہوا۔

جنرل (ر) عبدالوحید کاکڑ کی قومی خدمات اور پاک فوج کے لیے ان کی گراں قدر خدمات کو ہمیشہ عزت و احترام سے یاد رکھا جائے گا۔ ان کا انتقال ملک کے لیے ایک بڑا نقصان ہے۔

اللہ تعالیٰ مرحوم کی…

— Dr. Tariq Fazal Ch. (@DrTariqFazal) October 26, 2026

"The national services of General (R) Abdul Waheed Kakar and his invaluable contributions to the Pakistan Army will always be remembered with honour and respect," Chaudhry said, adding that the general's "demise is a great loss for the country."

The minister also extended prayers for the departed soul, as well as "patience and noble endurance" for the bereaved family.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also condoled the death, expressing "profound grief and sorrow."

چیئرمین پاکستان تحریکِ انصاف بیرسٹر گوہر علی خان کا سابق چیف آف آرمی اسٹاف جنرل (ر) عبدالوحید کاکڑ کے انتقال پر اظہارِ تعزیت۔
سابق چیف آف آرمی اسٹاف جنرل (ر) عبدالوحید کاکڑ کے انتقال پر گہرے رنج و غم کا اظہار کرتا ہوں۔
ملک و قوم اور افواجِ پاکستان کے لیے مرحوم کی گراں قدر خدمات،… pic.twitter.com/u97IiWaFst

— Barrister Gohar Khan (@BarristerGohar) October 26, 2026

"The deceased's invaluable services to the country and nation, his professional struggles, and his role in fulfilling national duties will always be remembered with honour and respect," Barrister Gohar said. He added, "I extend heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the deceased's family and all bereaved relatives," praying for the late general's elevated ranks.