Former Pakistan Army Chief General (Retd.) Qamar Javed Bajwa died on Saturday following a prolonged medical struggle after sustaining a serious head injury. The 65-year-old had been hospitalised for weeks, with family sources and media reports confirming that he ultimately succumbed to complications.
International Desk: Bajwa, one of the most powerful figures in Pakistan’s recent history, passed away after suffering a severe head injury. He had remained under treatment for an extended period, highlighting the lack of clarity and transparency often surrounding high-profile cases in the country.
He was admitted in February 2026 to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalpindi after reportedly slipping at his residence and sustaining critical head injuries. Doctors carried out major surgery and placed him in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under constant specialist supervision.
While initial reports claimed the operation was successful, his condition failed to stabilise over time, ultimately leading to his death on Saturday.
Bajwa served as Pakistan’s Army Chief from 2016 to 2022—a tenure frequently criticised for deepening the military’s grip over civilian institutions, fuelling political instability, and drawing scrutiny over Pakistan’s internal and regional policies. His legacy remains contentious, reflecting broader concerns about the role of the military establishment in Pakistan’s governance.
