Sunday, March 21, 2021
Biography of Pervez Musharraf:
Pervez Musharraf is a retired four-star general of the Pakistan Army and a former politician who served as the 10th President of Pakistan from 2001 to 2008. Here's a brief biography of his life and career:
Early Life and Military Career:
Pervez Musharraf was born on August 11, 1943, in Delhi, British India (now in India). After the partition of India in 1947, his family migrated to Pakistan. Musharraf joined the Pakistan Military Academy in 1961 and was commissioned into the Pakistan Army in 1964. He rose through the ranks, gaining prominence as a skilled and ambitious military officer.
Military Rule:
In 1999, Musharraf seized power in a bloodless coup, overthrowing the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He assumed the position of Chief Executive of Pakistan. In 2001, he declared himself President of Pakistan, holding both the titles of President and Chief Executive until 2002 when he relinquished the position of Chief Executive.
Political Career:
Musharraf's rule was marked by a mix of economic reforms and political controversies. He implemented several modernization and liberalization measures, but his regime was also criticized for curbing civil liberties and suppressing political opposition.
Role in International Affairs:
Musharraf played a key role in supporting the United States' War on Terror after the September 11 attacks in 2001. Under his administration, Pakistan became a major ally of the U.S. in the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan.
Resignation and Exile:
In 2008, facing mounting political pressure and growing unpopularity, Musharraf resigned as President of Pakistan. He went into self-imposed exile and lived in London and Dubai for several years.
Return to Pakistan and Legal Issues:
Musharraf returned to Pakistan in 2013 with the intention of re-entering politics, but he was quickly entangled in a series of legal cases, including charges of high treason for his imposition of a state of emergency in 2007. In 2019, he was sentenced to death in absentia by a special court for his actions during the state of emergency, although the verdict was later overturned by the Lahore High Court.
Later Years:
Musharraf's later years were marked by health issues, and he remained a controversial figure in Pakistani politics. He lived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and did not return to Pakistan due to legal challenges and security concerns.