On February 5th, 2023, former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf passed away at the age of 76 in Dubai.
The former military ruler passed on at an American hospital in Dubai, where he had been going through treatment for amyloidosis.
Musharraf’s family has documented an application in the Pakistani office in Dubai to move the former military pioneer’s body to Pakistan.
The bits of gossip about Musharraf’s passing surfaced last year however were rubbished by the All Pakistan Muslim Association (APML), an ideological group laid out by the previous president.
The party had discredited the news connected with him being in basic condition or on a ventilator. It added that Musharraf was being treated for amyloidosis at his home and his condition was steady.
Amyloidosis is a condition that is caused by a build-up of an abnormal protein in organs and tissues that prevents them from working properly.
Reacting to the news, President Arif Alvi prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased general, and patience for the bereaved family.
Musharraf rose to power in a 1999 military coup and served as President until 2008. During his time in office, he was accused of violating the country’s constitution, undermining democracy by dismissing several judges, and clamping down on civil liberties.
Despite the serious charges levied against him, the court eventually released him on bail due to a lack of sufficient evidence. Now free from imprisonment, the former president was gearing up for a political comeback and posed a threat to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government.
Musharraf’s untimely death has caused shockwaves across the nation, with people from all walks of life expressing condolences for his passing. With the elections fast approaching, it remains to be seen who will succeed the former president at the helm of the Pakistani government.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also prayed for Musharraf’s forgiveness and offered his condolences to the deceased’s family.
About Pervez Musharraf
Pervez Musharraf was born on 11 August 1943 to an Urdu-speaking family in Delhi, British India. Musharraf was four years old when India achieved independence and Pakistan was created as the homeland for India’s Muslims. His family left for Pakistan in August 1947, a few days before independence.
Musharraf was a national hero in Pakistan and a complex figure on the global stage. With his death, the world lost a powerful leader and controversial statesman. As President of Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, he made significant contributions to the nation’s security and political stability, while also making controversial decisions that were widely criticized by both domestic and international audiences.
As a military leader, Musharraf rose quickly through the ranks to become Pakistan’s youngest four-star general. He led three successful coups d’état against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, which resulted in him becoming President.
During his time as leader, he made highly controversial decisions such as authorizing a nuclear test in 1998, supporting the U.S. War on Terror after 9/11, and suspending parts of his country’s constitution. These decisions have made Musharraf a divisive figure, yet he maintains a loyal following amongst many Pakistanis for his perceived strong leadership and willingness to stand up to Western countries.
His political career was not without controversy and turmoil. His downfall came after a period of heightened tensions between the judiciary and executive branches in 2007. This culminated in the 2007–2008 Pakistani political crisis that resulted in Musharraf resigning from his post. After a brief period in exile, he returned to Pakistan in 2013 and was subsequently arrested. He was acquitted of all criminal charges in 2019 but died before he could return to politics.
Pervez Musharraf had an immense influence on Pakistan and solidified his place as an iconic leader in the country’s history. While his legacy is complex and controversial, there is no denying the impact he had on the nation. He will be remembered as a strong leader who brought stability to the country during tumultuous times, yet also as an authoritarian who used undemocratic means to stay in power. In part, his legacy may be best summed up in the words of former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani; “Musharraf was a brave soldier who strengthened Pakistan’s military capabilities and status in the international community.”
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