KARACHI: Pakistan’s former president and (RETD) Military General Pervez Musharraf who died in Dubai on Sunday was buried with full military honors on Tuesday at an army graveyard.
Musharraf’s funeral was held at the Malir Cantonment’s Polo Ground which was attended by thousands of mourners including his family, relatives, senior Pakistani politicians retired and serving military officials including former army chiefs Qamar Javed Bajwa and Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani. However, the funeral was not attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Arif Alvi, and army chief General Asim Munir Ahmed, according to media reports.
His mortal remains were brought to Pakistan on a special plane after the UAE gave a no-objection certificate. Before being airlifted he was given a Ghusl, a close source reported. At the age of 79 Musharraf succumbed to amyloidosis.
Musharraf was a controversial figure in Pakistan where he ruled for a decade. He was a key US ally in the campaign against al Qaeda following September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Pakistan during his rule saw strong economic growth and enjoyed the support of the military and Pakistanis who backed his crackdown against militant groups.
Musharraf was also renowned for his heavy-handed approach to dissent, which included arresting rivals such as current prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and imposing an almost six-week-long state of emergency in which he suspended the constitution and censored the media.