Pervez Musharraf, popularly called the General, became the 10th president of Pakistan following a military coup.
After coming to power he began to push his country towards liberalism and socialism. He also advocated for the private sector and gave a jack to the economy of Pakistan.
His deeds made him the favorite of America, and as a result, the Pak-American relationship saw a new height. The people of Pakistan were happy with Musharraf’s rule even though it was undemocratic.
Nod for an Internal War and Emergency
Post 9/11 attacks in the USA, Musharraf started speaking against terrorism, he allied with the US to combat Mujahideen Terrorists in Afghanistan. He also remained silent when America carried out surgical strikes in areas of Pakistan. For this stance, Musharraf was accused of being a traitor to Pakistan.
The extremists of the country were furious with him, and soon a wave of Anti-incumbency began streaming on the streets of Pak.
The rising hatred for him among the mass made him insecure and he stepped forward to commit the biggest sin of his life.
The polls before the 2008 Pak General elections showed that most Pakistanis don’t want to see Musharraf as their President, seeing his throne trembling, Musharraf, in 2007 imposed an emergency in the country, suspended the constitution, and dissolved the fundamental rights of the people. He also removed the then-Chief Justice of Pak and got him arrested. He rightfully became the dictator of Pakistan.
The emergency was lifted in the same year and he managed to remain in power after the 2008 elections. But till this point, the whole nation and all the political figures became annoyed with him and started to demand his resignation, which he officially gave on 18 August 2008.
After that, he left for exile in London.
He was accused of treachery, corruption, traitor ship, and selling his nation to America. Later, he was also accused of killing Benazir Bhutto.
On the other hand, he was a heroic figure for the west who supported the US in fighting against terrorism, curbed religious extremism, and even supported the West for their stance against Iraq.
Conclusion
Overall Musharraf was a person who had a lust for power, money, and fame. He supported several anti-India programs and was also responsible for the Kargil War. Still, those who support him call him an open thinker, liberal economist, and a secular person who was against religious extremism.
Musharraf died of prolonged cancer disease today and has left a vast legacy of politics for our neighboring country.