The remains of former Pakistani military ruler, Pervez Musharraf, are expected to be repatriated on Monday. The self-exiled former leader, who served as a key ally to the United States during the “war on terror,” passed away at the age of 79 in Dubai on Sunday after a prolonged illness. A burial is expected to take place later in the day.
Musharraf, who seized power in a bloodless coup in 1999, was serving as the army chief, chief executive, and president when the 9/11 attacks occurred. During his nearly nine-year rule, he twice suspended the Constitution and faced accusations of rigging a referendum and violating human rights. According to Madiha Afzal of the Brookings Institution, “he left Pakistanis with a deep distaste for direct military rule.”
While serving as Washington’s primary regional ally during the invasion of Afghanistan, Musharraf put himself in the crosshairs of militants, who attempted to assassinate him. The decision also brought a massive influx of foreign aid to Pakistan, which helped to boost the country’s economy. Despite being a divisive figure, the military in Pakistan remains highly influential and widely supported.
Retired civil servant Naeem ul-Haq Satti told AFP, “There was good in him, but his one act which will be remembered throughout history was that he violated the constitution.” The most significant thing a country has, Satti added, is its constitution.
Musharraf was suffering from Amyloidosis, a rare disease, and his family announced last summer that he had no chance of recovery. The military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), expressed heartfelt condolences on his passing in a statement released on Sunday.
