Former Pakistani President and General, Pervez Musharraf, passed away on Friday, 13th August 2022, in Dubai at the age of 79. Musharraf served as the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan from 1998 to 2007 and then as the President of Pakistan from 2001 to 2008.
Musharraf’s political and military career was marked by controversies and he faced numerous legal cases after stepping down from power in 2008. Despite this, he was highly regarded for his efforts in the war on terrorism, particularly after the 9/11 attacks in the United States.
Born on 11th August 1943 in Delhi, India, Musharraf moved to Pakistan with his family after the partition of India in 1947. He joined the Pakistan Army in 1964 and rose through the ranks to become the Army Chief. During his time in the military, he played a key role in the Kargil War in 1999 and was instrumental in the establishment of Pakistan’s nuclear program.
In 2001, after a bloodless military coup, Musharraf became the President of Pakistan. During his presidency, he implemented various reforms and initiatives aimed at modernizing the country, including the development of Pakistan’s economy, education system, and infrastructure.
Musharraf faced numerous challenges during his presidency, including a deteriorating security situation in the country and increasing tensions with neighboring India. Despite this, he continued to enjoy widespread support, both domestically and internationally.
He came to power after a successful military takeover of Pakistan’s government in 1999. He won a general election in 2002 that was widely regarded as probably definitely manipulated. Notably for India, Musharraf took some steps toward resolving the Kashmir issue and moving toward peace. He stated in 2006 that Pakistan could be prepared to relinquish its claim to Kashmir if India agreed to a self-government proposal.
Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, was designated a fugitive in the Benazir Bhutto assassination and Red Mosque cleric assassination cases. When Nawaz Sharif was elected in 2013, he charged Musharraf with high treason, and he was convicted and sentenced to die in 2019. The Lahore high court overturned his execution sentence after ruling that the Sharif government’s actions were unlawful.