Dubai: Mr. Pervez Musharraf, a four-star General, who governed Pakistan for almost ten years after taking the throne in a bloodless coup in 1999, passed away in Dubai.

The 79-year-old Mr. Musharraf died in a hospital after a long illness and years of self-imposed exile. The Pakistani military released a statement confirming his passing with “heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of General Pervez Musharaf, former President, CJCSC and Chief of Army Staff.”

“May Allah bless the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family,” the statement cited. According to a statement from his office, Pakistan’s president Arif Alvi prayed “for eternal rest of the departed soul and courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss.”

Amyloidosis, an uncommon condition in which an aberrant protein accumulates in organs and obstructs normal function, was afflicting Mr. Musharraf. Last year, he was hospitalised in the UAE. Mr. Musharraf seized power in 1999, ruling as “chief executive” when the 9/11 attacks on the United States took place, before becoming president in 2001, as per the report.

Although he served as the main regional ally of the United States during its invasion of neighbouring Afghanistan, his rule was infamous for persecution and widespread violations of human rights, particularly in the later years. He put martial law in place, suspended the constitution, dismissed the chief judge of the supreme court, and detained activists and attorneys in 2007, all of which led to widespread protests.

Ms. Benazir Bhutto, the head of the opposition, was assassinated in December 2007, which further soured the nation’s mood and made him an outcast when his supporters suffered humiliating defeats in the 2008 elections. the former President was compelled into exile and resigned in 2008. When he was disqualified from standing in an election won by Nawaz Sharif, the man he overthrew in 1999, Mr. Musharraf’s ambition to retake power in 2013 was thwarted.

After a travel ban was lifted in 2016, Musharraf went to Dubai for medical treatment. Three years later, he was sentenced to death in absentia for treason, related to his 2007 decision to impose emergency rule. However, a court later nullified the ruling.

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