Pervez Musharraf

General Pervez Musharraf ({{lang-ur| ????? ????}}; born August 11, 1943, Near Delhi, India) became de facto Head of Government (using the title Chief Executive and assuming extensive powers) of Pakistan on October 12, 1999 following a bloodless coup d'état. He assumed the office of President of Pakistan (becoming Head of State) on June 20, 2001.

Early Years

Musharraf was born in Daryaganj in Delhi, India, but moved with his parents to Karachi, Pakistan during the partition of India (1947).

Related Topics:
Daryaganj - Delhi - Karachi - Partition of India - 1947

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Family background

Musharraf's parents came from a middle class background and both were college-educated. His mother Zehra majored in English Literature. She worked for the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and retired in 1986. Syed Musharraf-ud-Din, Musharraf's father, was a graduate of Aligarh University in India. He served in Pakistan's foreign service and led a distinguished career, retiring as a Joint Secretary in the Foreign Ministry. He spent several years as a diplomat in Turkey, where Musharraf spent part of his childhood and learned to speak fluent Turkish.

Related Topics:
English Literature - International Labour Organisation - Aligarh University - Turkey

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Education

Musharraf attended Saint Patrick's High School, Karachi graduating in 1958 before going on to attend Forman Christian College in Lahore.

Related Topics:
Saint Patrick's High School, Karachi - Forman Christian College

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Military training

In 1961, he joined the Pakistan Military Academy at Kakul. A graduate of Command and Staff College, Quetta, and the National Defense College, Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf also distinguished himself at the Royal College of Defence Studies, United Kingdom. His supervisor, commenting on his performance remarked in his report: "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."

Related Topics:
1961 - Pakistan Military Academy - Kakul - Royal College of Defence Studies - United Kingdom

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~