Unverified reports have raised concerns over the health of former Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, who is said to be in critical condition after sustaining head injuries in early February 2026. The retired general reportedly fell at his residence in Rawalpindi following a possible fainting episode linked to a heart condition.
According to sources cited in media reports, Bajwa suffered a third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, a serious cardiac issue that can cause fainting. “He reportedly slipped or fainted, leading to head trauma,” a source familiar with the matter told CNN-News18. Following the fall, Bajwa was admitted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalpindi, where he underwent evaluation and treatment, including possible pacemaker support.
From Stability to Alleged Complications
Initial reports in mid-February suggested that Bajwa’s condition was stable. He was conscious, responsive, and able to recognise family members, with diagnostic tests reportedly showing no major concerns. At that time, officials described him as being out of danger.
However, by early March, unverified claims began circulating that Bajwa had developed a severe brain haemorrhage connected to the earlier head injury. According to these reports, the alleged complication caused disorientation, memory loss, and difficulty recognising close relatives. No official confirmation has been issued by the Pakistani military or Bajwa’s family regarding this deterioration.
Medical experts note that head injuries sustained during falls can sometimes result in delayed neurological complications. “In certain cases, trauma to the head can trigger bleeding in the brain weeks after the initial injury,” explained a health specialist, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Political Legacy and Controversy
Bajwa, who served as Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff from 2016 to 2022, has remained a prominent figure in the country’s political discourse. He has faced allegations regarding his role in political developments, including the no-confidence motion that removed former Prime Minister Imran Khan from office.
Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed previously claimed that Bajwa influenced these events, while Khan himself reportedly expressed regret over trusting Bajwa during his tenure. These claims, though politically charged, have remained part of Pakistan’s ongoing debate over civil-military relations.
Conflicting Reports and Official Silence
Despite the circulating reports, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had initially described Bajwa’s fall as a domestic accident. Officials confirmed that he had received medical attention at CMH and that his condition was being closely monitored.
Recent media coverage, however, has suggested that Bajwa’s condition may have worsened, though these developments remain unverified. CNN-News18 reported that no formal update has been issued by the military or Bajwa’s family confirming a brain haemorrhage or semi-comatose state.
