Pervez Musharraf, a prominent figure in Pakistani history, served as the nation’s tenth president. His life was marked by a distinguished military career, significant political events, and considerable controversy. This detailed biography explores his journey, from his early life to his death.

Wiki/Biography

Born in Old Delhi, British India, on Wednesday, August 11, 1943, Pervez Musharraf (age 79 at the time of his death) received his early education at St. Patrick’s High School, Karachi. His military career spanned from 1961 to 2007, during which he held numerous key commands. These included the XII Corps, Special Services Group (SSG), Director General of Military Operations, and the 40th Army Division in Okara. Known by nicknames like “cowboy,” “mush,” and “palloo,” he pursued mathematics at Forman Christian College, Lahore, before graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from the 29th PMA Long Course in 1964. Furthering his education, he earned a Master’s degree from the Royal College of Defence Studies, Britain, in 1990. His academic pursuits also included attendance at the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, Abbottabad, and the Command and Staff College, Quetta, Balochistan. A Sunni Muslim, his hobbies included reading and traveling.

Address/House

Pervez Musharraf’s residence was located in Chak Shahzad, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Net worth

His estimated net worth in 2013 was approximately $6.1 million.

Favorites

• Hobbies: Reading and traveling
• Favorite Subjects: Economics and Mathematics
• Favorite Destination: Dubai

Political Journey

Musharraf’s political involvement included affiliations with the All Pakistan Muslim League and the Pakistan Muslim League (Qaid-e-Azam Group). His political ascent began dramatically on October 12, 1999, with a coup against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, leading to his takeover of the government. He assumed the presidency on June 20, 2001, and subsequently made 29 constitutional amendments in August 2002, consolidating his power. A January 1, 2004, vote of confidence secured his position until 2007. He won the presidential election in October 2007 by a landslide, a result considered by some to be unofficial.

A state of emergency was declared in November 2007, suspending the constitution and postponing elections. He relinquished his position as army chief in November 2007, taking the presidential oath for a third time. His party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Q, performed poorly in the February 2008 parliamentary elections. He ultimately resigned as president on August 18, 2008. In October 2010, he launched the All Pakistan Muslim League, a new political party.

Family

Pervez Musharraf was born to Syed Musharrafuddin (a Pakistani civil servant and diplomat) and Begum Zarin Musharraf. His brothers were Dr. Javed Musharraf (an economist residing in Rome) and Dr. Naved Musharraf (an anesthesiologist living in Illinois, USA). He married Sehba from Karachi on December 28, 1968. He is survived by his son, Bilal Musharraf, and his daughter, Ayla Musharraf (an architect married to film director Asim Raza).

Death

Pervez Musharraf passed away on February 5, 2023, at the American Hospital in Dubai due to amyloidosis. His burial took place in a Karachi graveyard.

Controversies

Musharraf’s presidency was marked by numerous controversies. The May 1, 2002, referendum that solidified his power was highly contested. Atomic scandals emerged after he authorized operations leading to the arrests of physicists. His comments on Pakistani rape victims and his suspension of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry further fueled controversy. His actions and post-presidency life were further characterized by various legal battles, including charges related to Benazir Bhutto’s assassination and the Lal Masjid operation.

Facts

His family’s move to Pakistan during the 1947 partition had a significant impact on his early life. His childhood nickname was “Palloo.” His father’s diplomatic career involved postings in Turkey. Musharraf’s military career included participation in the 1965 and 1971 wars. He received the Imtiaz Sanad medal for his bravery. His distinguished military career saw him rise to prominence in various roles within the Pakistan Army.

Military & Academic Achievements