Former Chief of Army Staff General (retd) Abdul Waheed Kakar has passed away at the age of 89, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). He led the Pakistan Army during a significant period in the country’s political history.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and senior military officials expressed grief over his death on Monday. Officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army paid tribute to his leadership, professional dedication, and contributions to the armed forces.

The military leadership extended condolences to General Kakar’s family. It also prayed for the departed general’s forgiveness and a high place in Jannat-ul-Firdous. The Pakistan Army expressed solidarity with his family during this difficult time.

Early life and military career

Abdul Waheed Kakar was born in Peshawar in 1937. He belonged to a Pashtun family with ancestral links to Balochistan’s Kakar tribe. He was also the nephew of Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Movement. His military career began at the Pakistan Military Academy. He received his commission in the Frontier Force Regiment in 1959. During his service, Kakar participated in the 1965 and 1971 wars between Pakistan and India.

During the 1965 war, he served in the Chawinda sector near Sialkot. In the 1971 conflict, he was deployed in the Sulemanki sector. He later held several important command and staff positions within the Pakistan Army. His appointments included General Officer Commanding of the 16th Infantry Division and Adjutant General at General Headquarters. He also served as commander of XII Corps in Quetta.

Became army chief during a political crisis

Abdul Waheed Kakar’s career reached a major turning point in January 1993. Then-Army Chief General Asif Nawaz Janjua died unexpectedly. Kakar was subsequently selected to lead the Pakistan Army, despite several officers being senior to him.

He assumed command on January 12, 1993, and served as Chief of Army Staff until January 12, 1996. His three-year tenure coincided with serious political tensions between the government and the presidency. In July 1993, Kakar played a central role in negotiations involving then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Ghulam Ishaq Khan. Both leaders eventually stepped down as part of a political settlement widely known as the “Kakar Formula.”

The settlement paved the way for a caretaker government led by Moeen Qureshi. Fresh general elections followed, bringing Benazir Bhutto back to power. Unlike previous periods of military intervention, General Kakar did not impose martial law or take over the government. His role in resolving the political deadlock remains a significant part of Pakistan’s political history.

Retirement and life after service

In 1996, Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto reportedly offered General Kakar an extension beyond his scheduled retirement. He declined the offer and retired after completing his three-year term. His decision drew attention because extensions for senior military commanders have often remained a subject of public and political debate.

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After retirement, Abdul Waheed Kakar largely stayed away from public life. He maintained a low profile and did not seek a prominent role in national affairs. His death marks the passing of a former army chief who led the military during a challenging period. His military service and involvement in the 1993 political settlement remain important chapters in Pakistan’s history.