Dr Sadiq Ahmed

Pervez Musharraf, born on August 11, 1943, in New Delhi, India, and passed away on February 5, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was a significant figure in Pakistan’s political landscape. His family’s relocation from New Delhi to Karachi in 1947, following the division of India and Pakistan, and his father’s career as a diplomat, which led the family to reside in various countries, including Turkey, from 1949 to 1956, played a crucial role in shaping his worldview and future decisions.

In 1964, Musharraf embarked on his military journey, a path that would shape his future and the destiny of Pakistan. His rigorous military training, including a course at the Army Command and Staff College in Quetta and a stint at the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies in London, honed his skills and knowledge. His military career was marked by significant positions in artillery, infantry, and commando units. He also contributed to the education and training sector, serving as an instructor at the Staff College in Quetta and in the War Wing of the National Defence College.

Musharraf’s military service involved active participation in Pakistan’s conflicts with India, including the wars of 1965 and 1971. His role as the head of the armed forces, appointed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in October 1998, further propelled him onto the national and international stage.

The tumultuous events of October 1999 witnessed Musharraf’s rise to power through a military coup that led to the dismissal of Sharif’s government. This period consequently marked the beginning of a new era in Pakistan’s political landscape, with Musharraf at the helm of a military government. His leadership was characterized by a suspension of the constitution, dissolution of the parliament, and the establishment of the National Security Council, an interim governing body comprising civilian and military appointees.

Despite initial assurances of restoring civilian rule, Musharraf’s presidency was mired in controversy and challenges. His attempts to negotiate with India over the volatile Kashmir region and the strategic alliance with the United States in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks were pivotal aspects of his presidency.

Musharraf’s rule was not without its share of challenges. He faced multiple assassination attempts and opposition from the Supreme Court regarding his dual roles as president and head of the military. The declaration of a state of emergency in 2007 further intensified internal political turmoil and strained his relationship with the judiciary and opposition leaders, a testament to the intensity of his leadership.

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Following the 2008 parliamentary elections, Musharraf’s presidency came to an end amid looming impeachment proceedings. The opposition coalition, led by figures such as Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, marked a significant shift in Pakistan’s political landscape.

After his resignation, Musharraf announced the formation of the All Pakistan Muslim League and expressed his intention to return to Pakistan for the 2013 national elections. However, his plans were hindered by legal and political roadblocks, including ongoing criminal investigations associated with his presidency.

Musharraf’s departure from Pakistan for medical treatment in Dubai in 2016 effectively concluded his direct involvement in the country’s politics. His passing in 2023 marked the end of a prominent and controversial era in Pakistan’s modern history.

Critical Evaluation:

Pervez Musharraf, the recent military ruler of Pakistan who passed away at the age of 79, had a political career marked by extreme highs and lows. After coming to power in a 1999 coup, he survived numerous assassination attempts, positioning himself at the forefront of the clash between militant Islam and the West. Notably, his alliance with the United States was a significant factor in modernizing Pakistan and boosting the economy. However, his career took a downturn in 2008 when he faced defeat at the polls and was ousted from office. This marked the ignominious end of his political journey, as he was later sentenced to death in absentia for treason in 2019. Despite being allowed to leave Pakistan in 2016 for medical treatment, the nature of his sentence made it unlikely to be carried out, signifying a significant blow to the military, which had ruled the country for extended periods.

During his tenure, Musharraf’s attempts to stabilize relations with India were dashed, primarily due to the long-standing dispute over Kashmir. The 9/11 attacks reshaped his leadership, compelling him to support the American-led military campaign to oust the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. This shift in policy led to a crackdown on extremism within Pakistan, including the banning of foreign funding for mosques and Islamic education centers, and restrictions on the entry of foreign students for Islamic studies. The aftermath of the 9/11 attacks significantly influenced his policies and decisions.

Musharraf faced mounting pressure to hold democratic elections and restore civilian rule, culminating in a pro-Musharraf coalition winning the majority of parliamentary seats in 2002. However, his decision to suspend the Chief Justice and impose a state of emergency in 2007 drew widespread criticism and eroded his popularity. The shocking assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto further undermined his claims of securing Pakistan’s future.

Following his resignation in 2008, Musharraf attempted to return to Pakistani politics but faced legal challenges, including charges of treason relating to his imposition of the 2007 state of emergency. Despite being sentenced to death in absentia, Musharraf remained in self-imposed exile in Dubai, with ongoing legal wrangling surrounding the legitimacy of the verdict. His passing in 2023 marked the end of a polarizing and controversial era in Pakistan’s history, with calls for his return prompting debates on accountability and justice for his actions during his time in power.

Pervez Musharraf is remembered as a military dictator who violated the constitution and derailed democracy in Pakistan. His legacy is marred by the suspension of the constitution, dissolution of the parliament, and the establishment of the National Security Council, which was an interim governing body comprising civilian and military appointees. His tenure was characterized by tumultuous events, including a military coup that led to the dismissal of the government, and a state of emergency declared in 2007, intensifying internal political turmoil and straining relationships with the judiciary and opposition leaders. Despite initial assurances of restoring civilian rule, Musharraf’s presidency was mired in controversy and challenges, ultimately leading to his ousting from office and his subsequent legal and political battles.