Former President of Pakistan, retired General Pervez Musharraf, passed away on Sunday, February 5th, at the age of 79 after a prolonged illness. He was receiving treatment for the rare disease amyloidosis at the American Hospital in Dubai.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his condolences to the family of the former president. In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif said, “Praying for the forgiveness of the deceased and patience for the family.”
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also released a statement, in which Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and the services chiefs expressed their heartfelt condolences. The ISPR stated, “May Allah bless the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family.”
Musharraf was born on August 11, 1943, in Delhi, British India. He received his commission from the Pakistan Military Academy Kakul on April 19, 1961, and participated in the 1965 and 1971 wars. He was promoted to the rank of general in 1998 and served as the chief of army staff (COAS) from 1998 to 2007.
On October 12, 1999, Musharraf staged a military coup and became the President of Pakistan in 2002 after a successful referendum. He remained in office until 2008. Throughout his career, Musharraf played a significant role in Pakistan’s political and military history. His passing has caused a great loss to the nation and is deeply mourned by his friends, family, and supporters.