The Death of Former President and Military Dictator Retired General Pervez Musharraf: A Legacy to be Remembered

The Death of Former President and Military Dictator Retired General Pervez Musharraf: A Legacy to be Remembered

The passing of former president and military dictator, retired General Pervez Musharraf, has triggered an outpouring of emotions and commentaries on Sunday, as people of all stripes, including politicians, analysts, political commentators, and even those across the border, came together to voice their thoughts on the late military ruler's legacy.

Musharraf's death has sparked a range of opinions and emotions from different individuals, from condolences from the civilian and military leadership to heated debates about the late dictator's near-decade rule.

"Always Pakistan First" Recently released PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry praised Musharraf, stating that he was a great person and that his friends proved to be small. Chaudhry went on to say that Musharraf's thought and ideology was always "Pakistan First" and expressed his hope that God would have mercy on him.

"More Democratic than the Current Regime" On the other hand, PTI leader Hammad Azhar had a different view of Musharraf, stating that he was a military dictator and power-drunk. Azhar also mentioned that Musharraf made mistakes without any accountability and that the country is still paying the price in blood. Despite this, Azhar went on to say that Musharraf was more democratic and humane than the current PDM regime, which speaks volumes about the traits of the current leaders.

"Between Him and God" Former PPP Senator Farhatullah Babar refrained from passing any acrimonious remarks about Musharraf's death, stating that now it was "between him and God." Babar also urged for Musharraf's burial to be simple, private, and dignified, without any official trapping or draping in the national flag.

"A Legacy to be Remembered" Journalist Hamid Mir commented on the late dictator's heavy legacy, stating that the deaths of Akbar Bugti and Benazir Bhutto would always be associated with him. Mir went on to say that it would have been great if Musharraf had cleared his name of these two stains in his life.

"The Mighty Fall Just Like the Weak" Journalist Wajahat S Khan commented on the fall of the mighty, stating that by the time of their last meeting in 2017, Musharraf had become a shadow of the strongman he first met in the 2000s. Khan went on to say that nothing was certain, except that fortune favors the brave and that democracy dies in the dark.

"Controversial Political Role" Journalist Salman Masood said that the news of Musharraf's death came at a time of heightened political unrest and that the last military chief, General Bajwa's controversial political role, and face-off with Imran Khan's political party had dipped the military's popularity and raised questions about the military's role in politics.

"Departure of a Strongman Leader" Indian journalist Malini Parthasarathy said that Musharraf's demise marked the departure of Pakistan's memorable strongman leaders. Parthasarathy went on to say that even as he flexed the country's military muscle, he was eager for recognition from India and that she had the privilege of being the first Indian journalist to interview him.

"A Ridiculous Judgment" Barrister Ali Zafar offered a prayer for Musharraf and spoke about his decision to defend the former president after his conviction. Zafar praised the positive side of Musharraf's legacy,