Bajwa Stable, Treated with Temporary Pacemaker: Family Source

News Desk 

Rawalpindi: Former Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa fainted after suffering a heart block caused by a problem in the heart’s electrical system, a family source said, clarifying that he did not slip as initially speculated.

Speaking to The News, the source said misinformation about the former army chief’s condition was circulating in the media and on social media, and urged the public to avoid rumours and respect his medical privacy.

According to the source, Gen (retd) Bajwa felt unwell on the evening of Monday, February 9, but went ahead with his routine evening walk and exercise. Later that night, he reportedly felt nauseous and went to the washroom. After vomiting, he fainted and fell, sustaining a head injury.

“Blood was seen coming from his ears. He was rushed to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) within 15 minutes,” the source said.

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Doctors later diagnosed him with a Third-Degree Atrioventricular (AV) Block, a condition that disrupts the heart’s electrical signals and can cause sudden loss of consciousness.

The fall resulted in three hairline fractures to his skull; however, there were no blood clots in the brain, which could have been life-threatening. “There is some bleeding, but doctors say surgery is not needed at this stage,” the source added.

He is currently being kept sedated to aid healing and recovery. Doctors plan to implant a permanent pacemaker to address the heart condition. For now, he is being treated with a temporary pacemaker. The source said Gen Bajwa is fully conscious and recognises all members of his family.

Earlier, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed in a health update that the former army chief was receiving treatment at CMH after sustaining injuries from a fall at his residence.

Gen (retd) Bajwa served as Pakistan’s army chief from 2016 until his retirement on November 29, 2022.