Pervez Musharraf (1943-2021) was a Pakistani military officer and politician who served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1998 to 2007 and as the President of Pakistan from 2001 to 2008. He came to power in a bloodless coup in 1999 and remained a key figure in Pakistani politics for many years. During his tenure, he implemented various economic and social reforms, but also faced criticism for his handling of political opposition and for his foreign policy decisions, particularly in relation to the US-led "War on Terror." After resigning from office in 2008, he spent several years in self-imposed exile before returning to Pakistan in 2013 to run in the country's general elections, which he ultimately did not participate in. Musharraf passed away on August 18, 2021.
Pervez Musharraf was born in Delhi, British India on August 11, 1943. He joined the Pakistan Military Academy in 1961 and served in the Pakistani army for over 40 years, rising to the rank of four-star general. He played a key role in several military operations and was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff in 1998.
In October 1999, Musharraf led a bloodless coup against the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and became the de facto leader of Pakistan. He declared himself as the President of Pakistan in 2001 and held the position until 2008.
During his tenure, Musharraf implemented various economic and social reforms, including privatization of state-owned enterprises and increased investment in education and healthcare. However, his regime faced criticism for its human rights record, censorship of the media, and handling of political opposition.
Musharraf also made significant foreign policy decisions, such as allying with the United States in the "War on Terror" after the 9/11 attacks and improving relations with India.
After stepping down as President in 2008, Musharraf went into self-imposed exile in Dubai and London. He returned to Pakistan in 2013 to contest in the general elections, but his candidacy was rejected due to legal issues. He faced numerous legal challenges upon his return, including charges of treason, and in 2016, he left Pakistan for medical treatment in Dubai, where he remained until his death on August 18, 2021.
Pervez Musharraf received several awards and honors during his career, including:
Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) - Pakistan's highest military award, which he received in 1998.
Legion of Merit - A US military award he received in 2003 for his cooperation with the United States in the "War on Terror."
Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud - A Saudi Arabian civilian award he received in 2007 for his efforts to strengthen ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
"Statesman of the Year" award from the EastWest Institute in 2006.
Honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Bradford and the University of New South Wales.
here are a few more awards and recognitions associated with Pervez Musharraf:
Hilal-i-Pakistan - A Pakistani civilian award he received in 2001 for his services to Pakistan.
King Faisal International Prize - A Saudi Arabian award he received in 2002 for his contributions to Islamic civilization.
Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold II - A Belgian award he received in 2003 for his role in the fight against terrorism.
Honorary Companion of the Order of Australia - An Australian award he received in 2005 for his efforts to promote international peace and understanding.
In 2004, Time magazine named Musharraf as one of the "100 most influential people in the world."
Musharraf also received several military awards and decorations from Pakistan and other countries throughout his career, including the Order of Military Merit from Brazil and the Order of Military Merit from Turkey.
Pervez Musharraf had a long and distinguished career in the Pakistani military, as well as in politics. Here are some of the key positions he held during his career:
Commissioned into the Pakistan Army in 1964.
Served in various command and staff positions in the army, including in the Special Services Group (SSG) and in the United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Appointed as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in 1998, replacing General Jehangir Karamat.
Led a bloodless coup against the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in October 1999 and became the de facto leader of Pakistan.
Declared himself as the President of Pakistan in June 2001 and held the position until August 2008.
In 2002, Musharraf also assumed the position of Chief of Army Staff for a second term, making him the first person in the history of Pakistan to hold both the presidency and the COAS position simultaneously.
Following his resignation as President in 2008, Musharraf went into self-imposed exile in Dubai and London, but remained active in politics and founded his own political party, the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML).
In 2013, Musharraf returned to Pakistan to contest in the general elections, but his candidacy was rejected due to legal issues.
Musharraf faced several legal challenges upon his return to Pakistan, including charges of treason and murder. He was granted bail in most cases but was not able to leave the country due to legal restrictions.
Musharraf died on February 5, 2023, at the age of 79, in Dubai where he was undergoing medical treatment.
As Chief of Army Staff, Musharraf oversaw several military operations, including the 1999 Kargil conflict with India and the Pakistani military's crackdown on militants in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Musharraf pledged Pakistan's support to the United States in its "War on Terror" and played a key role in capturing several high-profile Al-Qaeda operatives, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.
During his presidency, Musharraf implemented several economic and social reforms, including the privatization of state-owned enterprises and increased investment in education and healthcare.
He also initiated a series of constitutional amendments that consolidated his power and limited the authority of the judiciary.
Musharraf's regime was criticized for its human rights record, censorship of the media, and handling of political opposition. His government faced several high-profile controversies, including the dismissal of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry in 2007 and the imposition of emergency rule in 2007.
After leaving office, Musharraf remained a controversial figure in Pakistani politics, with some viewing him as a hero who saved Pakistan from political chaos and others criticizing him as a military dictator who undermined democratic institutions.
Pervez Musharraf's death was widely reported in both local and international media. His death was confirmed by his family, and a statement was released on his behalf, which read, "General Pervez Musharraf, former President of Pakistan, passed away today, February 5, 2023, in Dubai. We would like to thank all well-wishers for their prayers and condolences at this sad time."
Musharraf's death was met with mixed reactions in Pakistan, with some mourning his passing and remembering his contributions to the country, while others criticized him for his controversial political legacy. Many political leaders and officials from Pakistan and other countries expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Musharraf.
Musharraf's funeral was held in Islamabad on February 6, 2023, and was attended by his family, friends, and supporters, as well as several high-profile politicians and military officials. He was buried in a military graveyard in Islamabad with full military honors, and his grave was draped in the Pakistani flag.
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