Pervez Musharraf, former ruler, dies at 79 in Dubai from amyloidosis.
Death News of Pervez Musharraf first surfaced on social media in the morning, after confirmation from the Pakistani consulate in Dubai and the former army chief’s family, before it hit the mainstream media.
The former dictator’s condition was said to be critical for the past few months as his organs started to fail due to the deadly disease.
The body of Mr. Pervez Musharraf, who will be buried in Karachi, will be brought to Pakistan by a special flight that will depart for Dubai (today, Monday).
To facilitate their families in the process of repatriation, the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai has also issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
“We are in touch with the family and the consulate will facilitate in every way. The consulate has issued a no-objection certificate,” a media report quoted Consul General Hasan Afzal Khan as saying.
His illness came to the fore in 2018 when the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) announced that he was suffering from amyloidosis, a group of rare, serious conditions that cause inflammation in organs and tissues. Abnormal protein formation called amyloid.
The deceased will be flown to Pakistan by special flight, and family members, supporters mourned the loss
In June last year, the former military strongman was hospitalized for three weeks, sparking rumors of his death. However, his family had to issue a statement to deny the news.
“Going through a difficult phase where recovery is not possible and organs are deteriorating. Pray for ease in his daily life,” his family said in a statement via Mr. Musharraf’s official Twitter account at the time. It was said in the statement.
The former dictator left Pakistan for treatment in March 2016, two years after being indicted by a court on November 3, 2007, for suspending the constitution. The dictator sentenced him to death.
However, the bench of the Lahore High Court suspended the decision of the special court.
Reaction
After news of the death emerged, condolences poured in from all quarters, as politicians and civil society remembered the “mixed legacy” of the former military chief.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said through his personal Twitter handle that I offer his condolences to the family of General (retd) Pervez Musharraf. May the soul of the deceased rest in peace!
I offer my condolences to the family of General (rtd) Pervez Musharraf. May the departed soul rest in peace!
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 5, 2023
President Arif Alvi also expressed grief over the death of the former army chief and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.
Nawaz Sharif, whose government was ousted by the former army chief in 1999, also condoled the death through his Twitter account.
إِنَّا ِللَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ#PervezMusharraf
— Nawaz Sharif (@NawazSharifMNS) February 5, 2023
PTI Chairman Imran Khan said in a tweet that his condolences and prayers are with his family on the death of General (retd) Pervez Musharraf. May Allah give them the ability to bear this shock.
On the passing of General (rerd) Pervez Musharraf my condolences and prayers go to his family. May Allah give them strength to bear this loss.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 5, 2023
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari replaced the display photo on his Twitter account with a photo of slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and Nawab Akbar Bugti in a symbolic gesture. It should be noted that the former powerful man was an accused in both murder cases.
Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani in a series of tweets expressed deep sorrow over the death of the former president and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement issued shortly after the news of his death that Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad and all Service Chiefs expressed their heartfelt condolences. “May Allah rest the soul of the deceased and give strength to the bereaved family,” the army’s media wing said.
Former Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani’s son Ali Musa Gilani said in a tweet that “Musharraf is dead, democracy is alive, those who died for this cause are alive.” The Musharraf era not only took five years of my father’s life but also took the childhood of many people including me.
Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan’s former delegate to the United Nations, prayed for the former president. “General Pervez Musharraf has passed away. May God rest him in peace. Amen,” he said in a video message.
PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said that Pervez Musharraf was a “great man” whose ideology was always to put Pakistan first.
