ISLAMABAD – Social media posts claiming former Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa has passed away are false. Fact-checkers confirmed the reports are misinformation.
Sources said Qamar Javed Bajwa, 65, is alive and in good health. The confusion arose from an incident in February 2026, when he fell in his bathroom at his Rawalpindi residence. He sustained head injuries and was hospitalized for treatment.
Bajwa was admitted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), initially in the ICU. Reports of hairline skull fractures or fainting due to a heart block-related issue were mentioned, but officials confirmed his condition remained stable.
Family members, including his brother-in-law Naeem Ghumman, and the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the former army chief was “out of danger” and recovering. No gunshot wounds or assassination attempts were involved.
The misinformation reportedly originated from an Indo-Afghan X account based in Kabul. The account falsely claimed Bajwa’s death, sparking viral attention on social media.
Experts say such false narratives are common, especially about prominent figures like Qamar Javed Bajwa who served during politically sensitive periods. Old incidents are often exaggerated or repurposed to create panic or influence public opinion.
ISPR emphasized the need for verified reporting. They urged citizens to rely only on official updates regarding former military officials. Social media users were warned to avoid sharing unverified claims that can spread unnecessary fear.
Analysts noted that the trend of false information targeting retired military leaders undermines public trust and can distort facts during sensitive times.
Officials assured the public that Qamar Javed Bajwa continues to recover well. He remains under observation at his residence while resuming routine life gradually.
The military also reminded media outlets that reporting based on rumors or unconfirmed sources can cause undue concern among citizens. Accurate and responsible reporting remains crucial, particularly concerning former high-ranking officials.
In other news read more about Qamar Javed Bajwa Hospitalized in Critical Condition After Brain Hemorrhage: Reports
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of combating misinformation in Pakistan’s social media landscape.
