ISLAMABAD: Former Chief of Army Staff General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa sustained injuries following a fall at his residence and is currently receiving medical treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Thursday. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, has drawn significant attention given Bajwa’s prominent role in Pakistan’s military and national security landscape. Initial reports indicate the retired general slipped, leading to multiple injuries, including a head injury, though he is reported to be in stable condition and out of immediate danger.
The ISPR statement provided a concise update, stating that General Bajwa sustained injuries due to a fall at his residence and is undergoing treatment at CMH. This official confirmation came a day after initial media reports and family sources revealed that the former army chief had been admitted to the hospital for medical care. Family members, including his brother-in-law Naeem Ghumman, shared that the incident happened early Tuesday morning when Bajwa, who was barefoot, slipped and suffered a head injury, prompting immediate transfer to the facility for evaluation and care.
Medical assessments following the fall included various critical tests to determine the extent of injuries. According to sources close to the family, doctors conducted thorough examinations, and no suspicious findings emerged from the results. Ghumman emphasized in a public statement that General Bajwa was 100 per cent out of danger, reassuring well-wishers about his recovery trajectory. The retired general’s admission to CMH, a premier military healthcare institution, ensures access to specialized treatment under close supervision.
General Qamar Javed Bajwa, born on November 11, 1960, in Karachi, had a distinguished military career spanning over four decades before retiring. Commissioned in 1980 into the 16th Battalion of the Baloch Regiment after training at the Pakistan Military Academy, he rose through key command positions. His tenure included service as a brigade commander, participation in a United Nations mission in Congo, and leadership of the X Corps responsible for the Line of Control in Kashmir from 2013 to 2015. Prior to his elevation, he served as Inspector General of Training and Evaluation at General Headquarters.
Appointed as the 10th Chief of Army Staff on November 29, 2016, by then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Bajwa’s term was extended in 2019 amid regional security concerns, allowing him to serve until November 29, 2022. During his leadership, he oversaw significant operations against terrorism, including aspects of Radd-ul-Fasaad, and navigated complex civil-military dynamics. He was succeeded by General Syed Asim Munir, the current Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces. Bajwa was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) for his services.
The incident highlights the vulnerabilities even high-profile retired military officials face in daily life, despite their storied careers. Falls, particularly among older individuals, can result in serious injuries such as head trauma, fractures, or concussions, necessitating prompt medical intervention. Bajwa, now 65, received immediate care, which medical experts note is crucial for positive outcomes in such cases. The military’s swift public update reflects transparency in addressing public interest surrounding former leadership figures.
Public reactions have included widespread wishes for a speedy recovery from across political and military circles, underscoring Bajwa’s enduring influence. No further complications have been reported in official channels, and monitoring continues at CMH. This event occurs against a backdrop of ongoing national security discussions, where retired generals often remain influential voices on policy matters.
Read Top Stories
The health update coincides with other medical disclosures in the public domain, drawing comparisons in media coverage. While details remain limited to protect privacy, the confirmation reassures that professional medical protocols are being followed. General Bajwa’s contributions to Pakistan’s defence establishment continue to be acknowledged, even in retirement, as the nation monitors his progress.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1972556/ex-army-chief-qamar-javed-bajwa-hospitalised-after-fal
