Former army chief Abdul Waheed Kakar passes away in Rawalpindi

Former army chief Abdul Waheed Kakar passed away in Rawalpindi on Monday, according to a military statement. The Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with all ranks of the Pakistan Army, expressed deep sorrow over his death. The CDF and Pakistan Army paid tribute to Kakar's distinguished military career, leadership, and invaluable services to the Pakistan Army.

The statement added that the Pakistan Army shared the grief of the bereaved family and offered heartfelt condolences, praying that Allah Almighty grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannah and give the family strength and patience. President Asif Ali Zardari also conveyed condolences to Kakar's family, asking for strength to bear this loss with patience.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement, paid tribute to Kakar's "invaluable services" to the Pakistan Armed Forces. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan lauded the late general's services to the nation and his professional dedication, stating that Kakar will always be remembered with honor and respect. Kakar served as Pakistan's army chief from January 1993 to January 1996, pressuring then-President Ghulam Ishaq Khan and then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign, leading to the 1993 elections where Benazir Bhutto was elected as the prime minister. He retired at the end of his term.