Former Army Chief General (Retd) Abdul Waheed Kakar Passes Away at 89; Military, President and PM Express Grief

RAWALPINDI: Former Chief of Army Staff General (Retd) Abdul Waheed Kakar passed away in Rawalpindi on Monday at the age of 89, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

General Kakar served as Pakistan’s 11th Chief of Army Staff from January 12, 1993, to January 11, 1996. He was commissioned into the Pakistan Army in 1959.

Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and all ranks of the Pakistan Army expressed deep sorrow and grief over the demise of the former army chief, who was awarded Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Hilal-e-Jurat.

The army paid tribute to his distinguished military career, leadership and valuable services to the armed forces.

In a statement, ISPR said the Pakistan Army shared the grief of the bereaved family and extended its heartfelt condolences.

President Zardari Expresses Condolences

President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed deep sorrow over the death of General (Retd) Abdul Waheed Kakar.

According to the Media Wing of the President’s House, the president conveyed his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the deceased’s family and prayed for the departed soul.

President Zardari prayed that Almighty Allah grant the deceased a place in eternal peace and give his bereaved family the strength and patience to bear the loss.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Pays Tribute

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of the former army chief.

The prime minister paid tribute to General Kakar for his valuable services to the Pakistan Army and extended his sincere condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family.

He prayed that Almighty Allah grant the deceased a high place in Jannah and give his family the courage to endure this difficult time.