General Abdul Waheed Kakar Dies at 89

General Abdul Waheed Kakar, the fifth Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, died on October 26, 2026, at the age of 89 after spending 21 days in hospital following a cerebrovascular accident. His passing was announced by Dr. Nauman Niaz, who described it as a private bereavement that could not be fully captured through public statements.

Kakar was remembered for his humility and wit. He was described as a man who valued principle over status, and who was known for his quiet but firm guidance to those around him.

Kakar was born in Peshawar in March 1937 and joined the Pakistan Military Academy in 1956. He was relegated to the 20th PMA Long Course and formed a lifelong friendship with Dr. Niaz's father, Hamid Niaz, and other cadets. This bond endured through years of military service and personal challenges.

Throughout his career, Kakar held various positions, including Chief of Army Staff from January 1993 to January 1996. During his tenure, he played a key role in resolving the 1993 political crisis by facilitating a peaceful resolution between President Ghulam Ishaq Khan and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, a process known as the Kakar Formula.

Kakar was also a mentor to Dr. Niaz, encouraging him to pursue a dual career in medicine and broadcasting. He provided feedback on Niaz's writing and supported his academic and professional aspirations, often with a quiet but firm guidance that shaped Niaz's path.

After retiring from the military, Kakar lived quietly in Rawalpindi for over three decades. He avoided public life, never seeking political or social positions, and remained a private figure despite his significant influence. His legacy is remembered not for his power, but for his character, integrity, and the lives he touched.