Pakistan’s former president Pervez Musharraf passed away in Dubai on Sunday at the age of 79 due to a prolonged illness. Musharraf, who was admitted to a hospital in Dubai, was shifted to the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) in Rawalpindi earlier. Musharraf, who was in Dubai since March 2016, was undergoing treatment for amyloidosis.
It is a rare disease that occurs when an abnormal protein, called amyloid, builds up in your organs and interferes with their normal function. On June 10, his family issued a statement on Twitter and said that the former army chief is at a stage where “recovery is not possible and organs are malfunctioning”. “He is not on the ventilator. Has been hospitalized for the last 3 weeks due to a complication of his ailment (Amyloidosis). Going through a difficult stage where recovery is not possible and organs are malfunctioning. Pray for ease in his daily living,” the family said.
Pervez Musharraf: A Look at the Life of a Controversial Figure
Pervez Musharraf, the former President and Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, passed away on February 4, 2023, in Dubai after a prolonged illness. He was 79 years old. Musharraf’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in Pakistan’s political history, and his legacy continues to be a topic of discussion and debate.
Early Career and Rise to Power
Musharraf was born on August 11, 1943, in Delhi, India. He received his military training in Pakistan and the United Kingdom and rose through the ranks to become a four-star general. In 1999, he staged a military coup and overthrew the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He later took over as President and served in that role until 2008.
Controversial Policies
Musharraf’s presidency was marked by several controversial policies and actions. He imposed martial law in 2007, suspended the constitution, and arrested several prominent judges and political figures. He also launched a controversial crackdown on Islamist militants in the country’s tribal regions, which was met with opposition from some quarters.
Relations with the United States
Musharraf was a key ally of the United States in the fight against terrorism following the September 11 attacks. He allowed the US to use Pakistani territory for military operations in Afghanistan and provided intelligence and logistical support to the US-led coalition. However, his policies, especially the crackdown on Islamist militants, were met with criticism from some quarters in the US, who felt that he was not doing enough to tackle the problem.
Assassination of Benazir Bhutto
One of the most significant events during Musharraf’s presidency was the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007. He was facing charges for her murder, which many believe was orchestrated by the military or its intelligence agencies. The assassination was widely condemned and sparked protests and unrest in the country.
Exile and Return
Musharraf stepped down as President in 2008 and went into exile in Dubai. He returned to Pakistan in 2013 to run in the general elections but was disqualified from running and arrested on several charges, including treason. He was released on bail in 2016 and went back into exile in Dubai.
Legacy
Musharraf’s legacy continues to be a subject of debate in Pakistan. Some view him as a strong leader who took bold actions to tackle extremism and terrorism, while others see him as a dictator who undermined democracy and violated human rights. Regardless of one’s views, there is no denying that Pervez Musharraf was a significant figure in Pakistan’s recent history, and his passing marks the end of an era.
Conclusion
Pervez Musharraf was a complex and controversial figure whose life and legacy will continue to be studied and discussed for years to come. While his presidency was marked by several significant events, both positive and negative, there is no denying that he played a major role in shaping Pakistan’s recent history.
FAQS
How did Pervez Musharraf die?
Pervez Musharraf died on Sunday in Dubai due to a prolonged illness. He was undergoing treatment for the rare disease of amyloidosis.
What is amyloidosis?
Amyloidosis is a rare disease that occurs when an abnormal protein, called amyloid, builds up in your organs and interferes with their normal function.
Where was Pervez Musharraf hospitalized?
Pervez Musharraf was first admitted to a hospital in Dubai and later shifted to the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Why was Pervez Musharraf in Dubai?
Pervez Musharraf was in Dubai since March 2016, facing charges back home for the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007.
What was Pervez Musharraf’s family statement about his condition?
On June 10, Musharraf’s family issued a statement on Twitter and said that the former army chief was at a stage where “recovery was not possible” and his organs were malfunctioning. The family asked for prayers for ease during this difficult time.
Was Pervez Musharraf on a ventilator?
According to the statement issued by his family, Pervez Musharraf was not on a ventilator.
What was Pervez Musharraf’s legacy?
Pervez Musharraf served as the President of Pakistan from 2001 to 2008 and as the Chief of Army Staff from 1998 to 2007. He played a significant role in Pakistan’s politics and military, and his legacy continues to be a subject of debate and discussion.
