Pakistani, Indian politicians, journalists and celebrities condole Musharraf death
Pervez Musharraf (C) and his wife Sehba Musharraf (3rd R) pose with Pakistani children clad in traditional dresses during the 54th anniversary celebration of Independence Day. File / AP
Shortly after Pakistan former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf death was officially confirmed, politicians, journalists, analysts, cricketers, social activists and political commentators took to social media to voice their sorrow as well as shed light on his near-decade rule.
Aside from the condolence messages which came from the civilian and military leadership, people of all stripes — even from across the border — had something to say about the late army general.
President Arif Alvi offered prayers for the former army chief and extended condolences to the former president's family.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also offered condolences to the former president's family and prayed for the departed soul.
Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Chairman General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and services chiefs expressed condolences on the passing of the former army chief.
"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,” a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated.
Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Fawad Chaudhry, in a tweet, prayed for the departed soul. "Pervez Musharraf passed away. He was a great person, his friends proved to be small. Pakistan first was his thought and ideology always. May God have mercy on him,” he wrote.
“General Musharraf faced many challenges but of them the three crisis he navigated with much prudence were the aftermath of 9/11, the year-long Indian military mobilisation on the border with Pakistan and the AQ Khan affair," Maleeha Lodhi, ambassador to the US 1999-2002, told Reuters.
A senior journalist tweeted saying, "General Pervez Musharraf is no more. End of an era.”
Extending condolences, former Punjab province chief minister Parvez Elahi said that Musharraf's services to the Pakistan Army and the country cannot be forgotten.
Shashi Tharoor, a member of parliament from India's main opposition Congress party, tweeted "once an implacable foe of India, he became a real force for peace 2002-2007.”
Former lawmaker Irum Azeem Farooque shared a picture with the former president and said "It was an honour to have met you and will remember the respect u bestowed upon me.”
Mushaal Hussain Mullick, wife of Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Muhammad Yasin Malik, extended condolences to the grieving family and loved ones.
Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani also expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Musharraf in a series of tweets.
All Pakistan Muslim League’s (APML) workers in the UAE also extended their condolences to the grieving family of their leader. They expressed deep sorrow over the sad demise of Pervez Musharraf.
APML’s UAE Chapter President Younis Malik expressed heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of General Pervez Musharraf and prayed for the departed soul.
Malik took to social media to offer his condolences, said “The great leader of Pakistan left us. The nation is deeply saddened. May your soul rest in peace and Allah give you the highest place in Jannah Ameen. Our love and prayers will be with you always.”
Journalist Wajahat S Khan said the mighty fall just like the weak. “By our last meeting in 2017, Gen Musharraf had become a shadow of the strongman whom I first met in the 2000s.”
He added that nothing was certain. “Except that fortune favours the brave, and that democracy dies in the dark.”
Indian journalist Malini Parthasarathy said Musharraf’s demise marked the departure of Pakistan’s memorable strongman leaders.
“Even as he flexed the country’s military muscle, he was eager for recognition from India,” she said. “I had the privilege of being the first Indian journalist to interview him. RIP, General!”
Musharraf passed away in a Dubai hospital after a prolonged illness.
