Former army chief retired General Abdul Waheed Kakar passed away in Rawalpindi on Monday, a statement by the military’s media affairs wing said.

Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and all ranks of the Pakistan Army “express deep sorrow” over his demise, the statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations added.

“The CDF and all ranks of the Pakistan Army pay tribute to the late general’s distinguished military career, leadership and invaluable services to the Pakistan Army.

“Pakistan Army shares the grief of the bereaved family and offers its heartfelt condolences. May Allah Almighty grant the departed soul highest place in jannah and give the family strength and patience,” the statement said.

The late general had served as Pakistan’s army chief from January 1993 to January 1996. He pressured then-president Ghulam Ishaq Khan and then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif to hand in their resignations, precipitating the 1993 elections in which Benazir Bhutto was elected as the prime minister.

He had retired at the end of his term.

President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed sorrow at the passing of the former army chief, conveying condolences to his family, according to a statement from his office.

“The president prays for the bereaved family to be granted the strength to bear this loss with patience,” the statement read.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing condolences at the death of the former general, paid tribute to his “invaluable services” to the Pakistan Armed Forces, state broadcaster PTV reported.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a post on X, said he was “deeply saddened” by Kakar’s passing.

“His distinguished service to Pakistan and the Pakistan Army will be remembered with the highest regard,” Dar wrote, praying for the deceased’s family.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, in a statement on X, lauded the late general’s services to the nation as well as his “professional dedication and the manner in which he fulfilled his national duties”.

Gohar added that Kakar will “always be remembered with honour and respect”.