n February 5, Pakistan lost a man who had had a significant part in shaping Pakistani politics as we see it today. Gen Pervez Musharaf had been living in Dubai since 2016. He breathed his last this week at a hospital in Dubai after a prolonged battle with amyloidosis, a rare disease. He was 79.

Born into a middle-class family in Delhi, India, on August 11, 1943, he was president of Pakistan from June 20, 2001, until August 18, 2008. A graduate of the Forman Christian College, Lahore, Musharraf had wanted Pakistan to embrace a liberal interpretation of Islam. This helped his popularity in the West after the 9/11 attacks on the United States. Some analysts credit him with turning around the country’s economic fortunes.

Musharraf was a highly decorated officer who served in the Pakistan Army for over 40 years. He had held prestigious positions in the Army throughout his career, starting from when he was on the frontlines in the war against India soon after graduating. The following year, he was admitted to the army’s elite Special Service Group. This led to his having an image of a fearless individual, a dada geer in his own words. The confidence and willingness to take risks marked his career.

Musharraf was appointed to lead the army’s Strike Corps in 1995 and named the army chief in 1998. In 1999, he led a successful military coup to overthrow the elected government of Nawaz Sharif. He became the ‘chief executive’ and later president of Pakistan. As president, he implemented a number of key reforms aimed at modernising the country.

Gen Musharraf remains a controversial figure in Pakistani politics. His reign was marked by several significant events, including the 9/11 attacks in 2001 and the subsequent global War on Terror.

Gen Musharraf remains a controversial figure in Pakistani politics. His reign was marked by several significant events, including the 9/11 attacks in 2001 and the subsequent global War on Terror. 

As a public speaker, Musharraf was known for his ability to pull crowds. Scientist Fatima Hussain Mehdi, a close family friend, told The News on Sunday, “General Pervez Musharraf was a patriotic soldier and a thorough gentleman. My father Maj Gen Hussain Mehdi served under him as brigade commander in Kharian and then as DG Ranger’s Punjab till 2007. He was a kind, jolly and gentle person. He loved sports, especially swimming and outdoor cultural sports like flying kites. I remember one Basant my father flew kites with him. As far as I know, Uncle Musharaf never wrote his speeches. He was an extempore conversationalist who mesmerised his audience. He loved music and had a special music room. He was also a very witty person. He could answer questions without having been prepared for them. No one could ever be bored in his company.”

After his demise, condolences poured from all over the world. Permission was readily granted to fly his body to Pakistan for burial. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif tweeted, “I offer my condolences to the family of Gen Pervez Musharraf. May the departed soul rest in peace.”

Gen Musharraf will be remembered for his politics and career as well as his personal attributes. He is survived by his wife, Sehba, and children, Bilal and Ayla.

Minaal Mohsin Maan is a freelance journalist. She mostly writes on human rights, literature and lifestyle. Her debut novel, Our Tainted Souls is available all over Pakistan. She tweets at @MinaalMaan and can be reached at minaalmohsin @hotmail.com

Hassan Naqvi is a journalist based in Lahore who reports on politics, economy and militancy.  He can be reached on Twitter @HassanNaqvi5