Chief
Executive and President, Islamic Republic
of Pakistan
General Pervez Musharraf
Nishan-I-Imtiaz (Military),
Tamgha-i-Basalat,
General
Pervez Musharraf, the second of three
brothers, was born to an educated Syed
family on August 11, 1943 in Delhi. After
the creation of Pakistan the family chose
to settle in Karachi. His father, the late
Syed Musharaff-ud-Din a career diplomat
retired in 1974 while his mother
successfully devoted her time between
caring for her family and serving the
International Labour Organization, retired
in 1987.
The
General had the opportunity of spending
his early life (1949-1956 in Turkey and
can, consequently, converse fluently in
Turkish language.
General
Musharraf attended renowned Educational
Institutions of Pakistan like Saint
Patrick’s High School, Karachi and
Forman Christian Collage, Lahore.
He
joined the Pakistan Military Academy in
1961 and was commissioned in an elite
Artillery Regiment in 1964. He saw action
in 1965 war as a young officer in the Khem
Karan, Lahore and Sialkot Sectors with a
self propelled Artillery Regiment. He was
awarded Imtiazi Sanad for gallantry. He
later volunteered and served for seven
years in the Special Service Group
"Commandos". He also
participated in the 1971 war as Company
Commander in a Commando Battalion.
General
Musharraf has the privilege of commanding
two self-propelled Artillery Regiments. As
a Brigadier, he had the distinction of
commanding an Infantry Brigade as well as
Armoured Division Artillery. On promotion
to the rank of Major General on 15th
January 1991, he was given the command of
an Infantry Division and later of a
prestigious strike Corps as Lieutenant
General on 21st October 1995.
General
Musharraf has served on various important
staff and instructional appointments
during his career. These include Deputy
Military Secretary at the Military
Secretary’s Branch, member of Directing
Staff both at the Command and Staff
College, Quetta and the National Defence
College. He has also remained the Director
General Military Operations at the General
Headquarters.
A
graduate of Command and Staff College,
Quetta and the National Defence College,
General Pervez Musharraf also
distinguished himself at the Royal College
of Defence Studies, United Kingdom.
Commenting on his performance in his
report remarked, "A capable,
articulate and extremely personable
officer, who made a most valuable impact
here. His country is fortunate to have the
services of a man of his undeniable
quality".
General
Pervez Musharraf was promoted to the rank
of General on 7th October 1998 and
appointed Chief of Army Staff. He was
given the additional charge of Chairman
Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee on 9th
April 1999 and is performing duties as the
Chief Executive of Pakistan since 12th
October, 1999. He also continues to hold
the office of Chief of Army Staff and
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
As
a promising young Captain, he got married
to Sehba Musharraf on 28th December 1968.
He remains a devoted family man and a
loving father to their two children Ayla
and Bilal, both happily married. They have
a grand-daughter, Mariam from Ayla.
A
natural sportsman, who has always loved
the outdoors and spends most of his
leisure time playing Squash, Badminton or
Golf. The General also takes keen interest
in water sports, is a enthusiastic
canoeist and loves to sail. An avid reader
he is well versed in Military History,
being his favourite subject.
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