Pakistan’s former president, General Pervez Musharraf, has passed away at the age of 79. He took power in 1999 through a military coup and served as president from 2001 to 2008. Musharraf was at the forefront of the conflict between militant Islamists and the West and supported the US-led “war on terror” after the 9/11 attacks. Despite facing numerous assassination attempts, he lost the 2008 election and left the country six months later. In 2013, he tried to run in the election but was arrested, charged with treason, and sentenced to death in absentia. The sentence was later overturned and he went into exile in Dubai for medical treatment, where he lived until his death.
Musharraf’s rule was marked by controversies. He is credited by some for improving the country’s economy, but faced court cases after losing power, including for failing to provide sufficient security for the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. He was sentenced to death for treason in 2019, but the sentence was reversed and he remained in Dubai. While his rule divided opinions in Pakistan and India, some praised him for his leadership and influence on the country. On the other hand, others blamed him for the destruction of Pakistan.
Pakistan’s current President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and military leaders expressed their condolences and prayed for Musharraf’s soul and for the strength of his bereaved family. Musharraf’s body will be flown back to Pakistan after his family submits an application to do so.
