ISLAMABAD: Former Army Chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa Faints Due to Heart Block, Receiving Treatment at CMH
Former Chief of Army Staff, Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, did not slip but fainted after experiencing a heart block, caused by an issue in the heart’s electrical system, according to a family source. The fainting led to a fall, resulting in a head injury. He is currently under medical supervision.
Speaking to The News, the source said that false reports regarding Gen Bajwa’s health had been circulating in the media and on social media. They urged the public to avoid spreading rumours and to respect his medical privacy.
“On the evening of Monday, February 9, Gen Bajwa was feeling unwell, but he still went for his routine evening walk and exercise. Later that night, he experienced nausea and went to the washroom. After vomiting, he fainted and fell, sustaining bleeding from his ears. He was rushed to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) within 15 minutes,” the source explained.
Medical assessments revealed three hairline fractures in his skull, though fortunately there were no blood clots in the brain. Doctors determined that the fainting was caused by a Third-Degree Atrioventricular (AV) Block.
“There is some bleeding, but surgery is not required at this time. He is being kept sedated to aid recovery. Doctors are planning to implant a permanent pacemaker for his heart condition, while currently he is on a temporary pacemaker,” the source said. They added that the positive news is that Gen Bajwa is fully conscious and recognizes all family members.
Earlier, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a health update confirming that the former army chief was receiving treatment at CMH following injuries sustained from a fall at his residence.
Gen (retd) Bajwa served as the Chief of Army Staff from 2016 to 2022 and officially retired on November 29, 2022.