Editing Pervez Musharraf (section)

==Chief Executive (1999–2002)==

===1999 coup===
{{Main|1999 Pakistani coup d'état}}
Military officials from Musharraf's Joint Staff Headquarters (JS HQ) met with regional corps commanders three times in late September in anticipation of a possible coup.<ref name="weinercoup">Weiner, Tim. [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/17/world/countdown-to-pakistan-s-coup-a-duel-of-nerves-in-the-air.html?ref=pervezmusharraf "Countdown to Pakistan's Coup: A Duel of Nerves in the Air", ''The New York Times''] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306233349/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/17/world/countdown-to-pakistan-s-coup-a-duel-of-nerves-in-the-air.html?ref=pervezmusharraf |date=6 March 2016}} (17 October 1999).</ref> To quieten rumours of a fallout between Musharraf and Sharif, Sharif officially certified Musharraf's remaining two years of his term on 30 September.<ref name="weinercoup"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Neilan |first=Terence |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/01/world/world-briefing.html?pagewanted=2 |title=World Briefing |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1 October 1999 |access-date=21 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423125607/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/01/world/world-briefing.html?pagewanted=2 |archive-date=23 April 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Pentagon Press, 2007">{{cite book |last1=Wilson |first1=John |title=The General and Jihad |date=2007 |publisher=Pentagon Press, 2007 |isbn=978-0-520-24448-1 |location=Washington D.C. |chapter=General Pervez Musharraf— A Profile}}</ref><ref name="BBC Pakistan, 2008">{{cite news |last1=Dummett |first1=Mark |date=18 August 2008 |title=Pakistan's Musharraf steps down |work=Work and report completed by BBC correspondent for Pakistan Mark Dummett |publisher=BBC Pakistan, 2008 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7567451.stm |url-status=live |access-date=5 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929222334/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7567451.stm |archive-date=29 September 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Rashid |first1=Ahmed |title=Pakistan in the Brink |date=2012 |publisher=Allen Lane |isbn=978-1-84614-585-8 |pages=6, 21, 31, 35–38, 42, 52, 147, 165, 172, 185, 199, 205}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Syed Pervez Musharraf kon hain ? {{pipe}} Daily Jang |url=https://jang.com.pk/roman/news/6112-Syed-Pervez-Musharrafkon-hain |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826114748/https://jang.com.pk/roman/news/6112-Syed-Pervez-Musharrafkon-hain |archive-date=26 August 2019 |access-date=26 August 2019 |website=jang.com.pk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pervez Musharraf Biography President (non-U.S.), General (1943–) |url=http://www.biography.com/people/pervez-musharraf-9419281#military-service |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010095911/https://www.biography.com/people/pervez-musharraf-9419281#military-service |archive-date=10 October 2018 |access-date=21 September 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pervez Musharraf: president of Pakistan |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pervez-Musharraf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110085607/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pervez-Musharraf |archive-date=10 November 2017 |access-date=21 September 2016}}</ref>
[[File:US Navy 051015-N-8796S-072 Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf speaks during a press conference at the Pakistan Air Force base in Chaklala Pakistan.jpg|right|250px|thumb|President Gen. Pervez Musharraf speaks during a press conference at the Pakistan Air Force base in Chaklala Pakistan.]]
Musharraf left for a weekend trip to take part in [[Sri Lanka Army|Sri Lanka's Army]]'s 50th-anniversary celebrations.<ref name="timecoup">[http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2053991,00.html "Under the Gun"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018002237/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2053991,00.html |date=18 October 2011 }} ''Time'' (25 October 1999).</ref> When Pervez Musharraf was returning from his visit to [[Colombo]] his flight was denied landing permissions at Karachi International Airport on orders from the Prime Minister's office.<ref name="bbccoup"/> Upon hearing the announcement of Nawaz Sharif replacing Pervez Musharraf with [[Khwaja Ziauddin]], the third replacement of the top military commander of the country in less than two years,<ref name="bbccoup"/> local military commanders began to mobilise troops towards [[Islamabad]] from nearby [[Rawalpindi]].<ref name="timecoup"/><ref name="bbccoup">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6960670.stm "How the 1999 Pakistan Coup Unfolded"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129092848/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6960670.stm |date=29 January 2012 }}. BBC News (23 August 2007).</ref> The military placed Sharif under house arrest,<ref name="coupNYT">Dugger, Celia W. [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/13/world/coup-pakistan-overview-pakistan-army-seizes-power-hours-after-prime-minister.html?ref=pervezmusharraf "Coup in Pakistan: The Overview"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306040742/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/13/world/coup-pakistan-overview-pakistan-army-seizes-power-hours-after-prime-minister.html?ref=pervezmusharraf |date=6 March 2016 }}. ''The New York Times'' (13 October 1999)</ref> but in a last-ditch effort Sharif privately ordered Karachi air traffic controllers to redirect Musharraf's flight to India.<ref name="weinercoup"/><ref name="bbccoup"/> The plan failed after soldiers in Karachi surrounded the airport [[control tower]].<ref name="bbccoup"/><ref name="coupcomplete">Dugger, Celia W., and Raja Zulfikar. [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/15/world/pakistan-military-completes-seizure-of-all-authority.html?ref=pervezmusharraf "Pakistan Military Completes Seizure of All Authority"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812174346/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/15/world/pakistan-military-completes-seizure-of-all-authority.html?ref=pervezmusharraf |date=12 August 2017 }}. ''The New York Times'' (15 October 1999)</ref> At 2:50&nbsp;am on 13 October,<ref name="coupNYT"/> Musharraf addressed the nation with a recorded message.<ref name="bbccoup"/>

Musharraf met with President [[Rafiq Tarar]] on 13 October to deliberate on legitimising the coup.<ref>Dugger, Celia W. [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/14/world/pakistan-calm-after-coup-leading-general-gives-no-clue-about-how-he-will-rule.html?ref=pervezmusharraf "Pakistan Calm After Coup; Leading General Gives No Clue About How He Will Rule". ''The New York Times''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306045657/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/14/world/pakistan-calm-after-coup-leading-general-gives-no-clue-about-how-he-will-rule.html?ref=pervezmusharraf |date=6 March 2016 }} (14 October 1999).</ref> On 15 October, Musharraf ended emerging hopes of a quick transition to democracy after he declared a state of emergency, suspended the Constitution and assumed power as Chief Executive.<ref name="coupcomplete"/><ref>{{Cite news|last=Goldenberg|first=Suzanne|date=1999-10-16|title=Musharraf strives to soften coup image|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/1999/oct/16/pakistan.suzannegoldenberg|access-date=2024-01-10|work=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> He also quickly purged the government of political enemies, notably Ziauddin and national airline chief [[Shahid Khaqan Abbassi]].<ref name="coupcomplete"/> On 17 October, he gave his second national address and established a seven-member military-civilian council to govern the country.<ref>Weiner, Tim, and Steve Levine. [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/18/world/pakistani-general-forms-new-panel-to-govern-nation.html?ref=pervezmusharraf "Pakistani General Forms New Panel to Govern the Nation"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812174714/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/18/world/pakistani-general-forms-new-panel-to-govern-nation.html?ref=pervezmusharraf |date=12 August 2017 }}. ''The New York Times'' (18 October 1999).</ref><ref name="confusedcoup">Dugger, Celia W. [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/24/world/pakistan-s-new-leader-is-struggling-to-assemble-his-cabinet.html?ref=pervezmusharraf "Pakistan's New Leader Is Struggling to Assemble His Cabinet"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306205926/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/24/world/pakistan-s-new-leader-is-struggling-to-assemble-his-cabinet.html?ref=pervezmusharraf |date=6 March 2016 }}. ''The New York Times'' (23 October 1999).</ref> He named three retired military officers and a judge as provincial administrators on 21 October.<ref>Kershner, Isabel, and Mark Landler. [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/22/world/pakistan-s-leaders-appoint-regional-governors.html?ref=pervezmusharraf "Pakistan's Leaders Appoint Regional Governors"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306205547/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/22/world/pakistan-s-leaders-appoint-regional-governors.html?ref=pervezmusharraf |date=6 March 2016 }}. ''The New York Times'' (22 October 1999).</ref> Ultimately, Musharraf assumed executive powers but did not obtain the office of the Prime minister.<ref name="confusedcoup"/> The Prime minister's secretariat (official residence of Prime minister of Pakistan) was closed by the military police and its staff was fired by Musharraf immediately.<ref name="confusedcoup"/>

There were no organised protests within the country to the coup,<ref name="confusedcoup"/><ref name="ban"/> that was widely criticised by the international community.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12966786| work=BBC News| title=Pakistan profile – Timeline| date=28 November 2011| access-date=21 June 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525074748/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12966786| archive-date=25 May 2018| url-status=live}}</ref> Consequently, Pakistan was suspended from the [[Commonwealth of Nations]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/493431.stm "Pakistan 'disappoints' Commonwealth"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018195214/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/493431.stm |date=18 October 2012 }}. BBC News (29 October 1999).</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Tran|first=Mark|date=2000-05-02|title=Hold elections or face sanctions, Cook tells Zimbabwe|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/may/02/zimbabwe.marktran|access-date=2024-01-10|work=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Sharif was put under house arrest and later exiled to [[Saudi Arabia]] on his personal request and under a contract.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/472997.stm SOUTH ASIA | Profile: General Pervez Musharraf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820234331/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/472997.stm |date=20 August 2006 }}. BBC News (24 September 2001). Retrieved 23 January 2011.</ref>

===First days===
The senior military appointments in the inter-services were extremely important and crucial for Musharraf to keep the legitimacy and the support for his coup in the joint inter-services.<ref name="AuthorHouse TradeMark"/> Starting with the PAF, Musharraf pressured President Tarar to appoint most-junior [[air marshal]] to [[four-star rank]], particularly someone with Musharraf had experienced working during the inter-services operations.<ref name="PAF Directorate for Public Relations"/> Once Air-chief Marshal [[Parvaiz Mehdi Qureshi|Pervez Kureshi]] was retired, the most junior air marshal [[Mushaf Ali Mir|Muschaf Mir]] (who worked with Musharraf in 1996 to assist [[Inter-Services Intelligence|ISI]] in Taliban matters) was appointed to four-star rank as well as elevated as Chief of Air Staff.<ref name="PAF Directorate for Public Relations">{{cite web|title=Air Chief Marshal Parvaiz Mehdi Qureshi, NI(M), S Bt|url=http://www.paffalcons.com/cas/parvaiz-mehdi.php|work=PAF Directorate for Public Relations|publisher=PAF Gallery and Press Release|access-date=16 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116074508/http://www.paffalcons.com/cas/parvaiz-mehdi.php|archive-date=16 November 2011}}</ref> There were two extremely important military appointments made by Musharraf in the Navy. Although Admiral Aziz Mirza (a lifelong friend of Musharraf, he shared a dorm with the admiral in the 1960s and they graduated together from the academy) was appointed by Prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Mirza remained extremely supportive of Musharraf's coup and was also a close friend of Musharraf since 1971 when both participated in a joint operation against the [[Indian Army]].<ref name="AuthorHouse TradeMark">{{cite book|last=Anwar|first=Muhammad|title=Stolen Stripes and Broke Medals|publisher=AuthorHouse TradeMark|location=Bloomington, Indiana (state), United States|isbn=978-1-4259-0020-5|pages=252–253;260/273|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U2IQ7bkak5wC&pg=PA252|edition=1|year=2008|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101105835/https://books.google.com/books?id=U2IQ7bkak5wC&pg=PA252|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> After Mirza's retirement, Musharraf appointed Admiral Shahid Karimullah, with whom Musharraf had trained together in [[Special Service Group Navy|special forces]] schools during the 1960s,<ref name="AuthorHouse TradeMark"/> to four-star rank and chief of naval staff.<ref name="CNN, 2012">{{cite news |title=Former Admirals wants Musharraf to come back home. |url=https://www.cnn.com/2012/01/22/world/asia/pakistan-musharraf/index.html |date=22 January 2012 |publisher=CNN |access-date=16 May 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623131911/https://articles.cnn.com/2012-01-22/asia/world_asia_pakistan-musharraf_1_zardari-and-bhutto-pakistan-s-musharraf-powerful-inter-services-intelligence-agency?_s=PM%3AASIA |archive-date=23 June 2012}}</ref>

Musharraf's first foreign visit was to Saudi Arabia on 26 October where he met with [[Fahd of Saudi Arabia|King Fahd]].<ref name="strait"/><ref name="simplevisit"/> After meeting senior Saudi royals, the next day he went to [[Medina]] and performed [[Umrah]] in [[Mecca]].<ref name="strait"/> On 28 October, he went to the [[United Arab Emirates]] before returning home.<ref name="strait">[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7E1OAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dxQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6752,5793608&dq=musharraf+saudi+arabia&hl=en "Musharraf Holds Talks with the Saudis"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117023857/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7E1OAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dxQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6752,5793608&dq=musharraf+saudi+arabia&hl=en |date=17 November 2015 }}. ''[[New Straits Times]]'' Malaysia (26 October 1999).</ref><ref name="simplevisit">Dugger, Celia W. [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/26/world/pakistan-military-says-7-civilians-will-join-new-government.html?ref=pervezmusharraf "Pakistan Military Says 7 Civilians Will Join New Government"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305141655/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/26/world/pakistan-military-says-7-civilians-will-join-new-government.html?ref=pervezmusharraf |date=5 March 2016 }}. ''The New York Times'' (26 October 1999).</ref>

By the end of October, Musharraf appointed many technocrats and bureaucrats in his Cabinet, including former Citibank executive Shaukat Aziz as [[Finance Minister of Pakistan|Finance Minister]] and [[Abdul Sattar (diplomat)|Abdul Sattar]] as [[Foreign Minister of Pakistan|Foreign Minister]].<ref name="burke"/><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/06/world/Pakistanis-eager-for-change-are-left-frustrated-after-coup.html?ref=pervezmusharraf | work=The New York Times | first=Celia W. | last=Dugger | title=Pakistanis, Eager for Change, Are Left Frustrated After Coup | date=6 March 2000 | access-date=11 February 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914220343/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/06/world/pakistanis-eager-for-change-are-left-frustrated-after-coup.html?ref=pervezmusharraf | archive-date=14 September 2013 | url-status=live }}</ref> In early November, he released details of his assets to the public.<ref>Kershner, Isabel, and Mark Ländler. [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/04/world/pakistan-s-ruler-rejects-calls-for-referendum.html?ref=pervezmusharraf "Pakistan's Ruler Rejects Calls for Referendum"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306213013/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/04/world/pakistan-s-ruler-rejects-calls-for-referendum.html?ref=pervezmusharraf |date=6 March 2016 }} ''The New York Times'' (4 November 1999).</ref>

In late December 1999, Musharraf dealt with his first international crisis when India accused Pakistan's involvement in the [[Indian Airlines Flight 814]] hijacking.<ref>{{Cite news | first=Jane | last=Perlez | title=Pakistanis Lost Control Of Militants, U.S. Hints | date=26 January 2000 | newspaper=The New York Times | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/26/world/Pakistanis-lost-control-of-militants-us-hints.html?ref=pervezmusharraf | access-date=11 February 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914234850/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/26/world/pakistanis-lost-control-of-militants-us-hints.html?ref=pervezmusharraf | archive-date=14 September 2013 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Time|title=Fallout from Flight 814|date=1 January 2000|url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2054784,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018000706/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0%2C8599%2C2054784%2C00.html|archive-date=18 October 2011|url-status=dead|access-date=25 July 2011}}</ref> Though United States president [[Bill Clinton]] pressured Musharraf to ban the alleged group behind the hijacking — [[Harkat-ul-Mujahideen]],<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/25/world/us-asserts-pakistan-backed-hijacking-of-air-india-jetliner.html?pagewanted=2&src=pm | work=The New York Times | title=U.S. Asserts Pakistan Backed Hijacking of Air India Jetliner | date=25 January 2000 | first=Jane | last=Perlez | access-date=11 February 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306080207/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/25/world/us-asserts-pakistan-backed-hijacking-of-air-india-jetliner.html?pagewanted=2&src=pm | archive-date=6 March 2016 | url-status=live }}</ref> Pakistani officials refused because of fears of reprisal from political parties such as [[Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan|Jamaat-e-Islami]].<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/26/world/Pakistanis-lost-control-of-militants-us-hints.html?ref=pervezmusharraf Pakistanis Lost Control Of Militants, U.S. Hints] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914234850/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/26/world/pakistanis-lost-control-of-militants-us-hints.html?ref=pervezmusharraf |date=14 September 2013 }}. NYTimes (26 January 2000)</ref>

In March 2000, Musharraf banned political rallies.<ref name="ban">{{Cite news|last=McCarthy|first=Rory|date=2000-04-01|title=Sharif family alone against the military|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/apr/01/pakistan.rorymccarthy|access-date=2024-01-10|work=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In a [[Pakistan Television|television interview]] given in 2001, Musharraf openly spoke about the negative role of a few high-ranking officers in the Pakistan Armed Forces in [[Politics of Pakistan|state's affairs]].<ref name="Pakistan Herald Megazine">{{cite news|title=Profile: Gen. (R) Mirza Aslam Beg|year=2009|newspaper=Pakistan Herald|url=http://www.pakistanherald.com/profile/gen-r-mirza-aslam-beg-602|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102141150/http://pakistanherald.com/Profile/Gen-R-Mirza-Aslam-Beg-602|archive-date=2 January 2010|url-status=dead|access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref> Musharraf labelled many of his senior professors at NDU as "pseudo-intellectuals", including the [[National Defence University, Pakistan|NDU]]'s notable professors, General [[Mirza Aslam Beg|Aslam Beg]] and Jehangir Karamat under whom Musharraf studied and served well.<ref name="Pakistan Herald Megazine"/>

===Sharif trial and exile===
The [[Pakistan Army Corps of Military Police|Military Police]] held former prime minister Sharif under house arrest at a government guesthouse<ref name="trial1"/> and opened his Lahore home to the public in late October 1999.<ref name="burke">{{Cite news|last=Burke|first=Jason|date=1999-10-29|title=Army throws open first family's palace|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/1999/oct/29/pakistan.jasonburke|access-date=2024-01-10|work=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> He was formally indicted in November<ref name="trial1">Dugger, Celia W. (11 November 1999) [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/11/world/treason-charge-for-pakistan-s-ousted-premier.html?ref=pervezmusharraf "Treason Charge For Pakistan's Ousted Premier"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306180407/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/11/world/treason-charge-for-pakistan-s-ousted-premier.html?ref=pervezmusharraf |date=6 March 2016 }}. ''The New York Times''.</ref> on charges of hijacking, kidnapping, attempted murder, and treason for preventing Musharraf's flight from landing at Karachi airport on the day of the coup.<ref name="trial2">Kershner, Isabel, and Mark Landler. [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/12/opinion/pakistan-on-trial.html?ref=pervezmusharraf "Pakistan on Trial"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307031735/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/12/opinion/pakistan-on-trial.html?ref=pervezmusharraf |date=7 March 2016 }}. ''The New York Times'' (12 November 1999).</ref><ref>Kershner, Isabel, and Mark Landler. "[https://web.archive.org/web/20110201031558/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/24/opinion/justice-on-trial-in-pakistan.html Justice on Trial in Pakistan]". ''The New York Times'' (24 December 1999).</ref> His trial began in early March 2000 in an anti-terrorism court,<ref name="trial3"/> which is designed for speedy trials.<ref>Bearak, Barry (20 November 1999). [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/20/world/ousted-leader-in-pakistan-appears-in-public-for-trial.html?ref=pervezmusharraf "Ousted Leader in Pakistan Appears in Public for Trial"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306193952/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/20/world/ousted-leader-in-pakistan-appears-in-public-for-trial.html?ref=pervezmusharraf |date=6 March 2016 }}. ''The New York Times''.</ref> He testified Musharraf began preparations of a coup after the Kargil conflict.<ref name="trial3">Kershner, Isabel, and Mark Landler. [https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/09/world/clash-over-india-led-to-coup-pakistan-s-ex-premier-testifies.html?ref=pervezmusharraf "Clash Over India Led to Coup, Pakistan's Ex-Premier Testifies"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305095416/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/09/world/clash-over-india-led-to-coup-pakistan-s-ex-premier-testifies.html?ref=pervezmusharraf |date=5 March 2016 }}. ''The New York Times'' (9 March 2000)</ref> Sharif was placed in Adiala Jail, infamous for hosting Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's trial, and his leading defence lawyer, Iqbal Raad, was shot dead in Karachi in mid-March.<ref name="trial4"/> Sharif's defence team blamed the military for intentionally providing their lawyers with inadequate protection.<ref name="trial4">{{Cite news|last=McCarthy|first=Rory|date=2000-03-11|title=Gunmen shoot dead lawyer of deposed Pakistani leader Sharif|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/mar/11/pakistan.rorymccarthy|access-date=2024-01-10|work=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The court proceedings were widely accused of being a [[show trial]].<ref>Smith, Alex Duval. [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/cook-warning-over-show-trial-for-sharif-740015.html "Cook Warning over Show Trial for Sharif Asia, World – The Independent"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010093538/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/cook-warning-over-show-trial-for-sharif-740015.html |date=10 October 2017 }}. (12 November 1999).</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=1999-11-12|title=Cook warns against Pakistan 'show trial'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/1999/nov/12/pakistan|access-date=2024-01-10|work=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>"Show Trial in Pakistan". ''The Guardian'' (22 November 1999).</ref> Sources from Pakistan claimed that Musharraf and his military government's officers were in full mood to exercise tough conditions on Sharif, and intended to send Nawaz Sharif to the [[gallows]] to face a similar fate to that of [[Zulfikar Ali Bhutto]] in 1979. It was the pressure on Musharraf exerted by Saudi Arabia and the United States to exile Sharif after it was confirmed that the court is about to give its verdict on Nawaz Sharif over treason charges, and the court would sentence Sharif to death. Sharif signed an agreement with Musharraf and his military government and his family was exiled to Saudi Arabia in December 2000.<ref>Ahmed Rashid. [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/1377887/Pakistani-fury-as-army-lets-Sharif-fly-into-exile.html "Pakistani fury as army lets Sharif fly into exile"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102104723/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/1377887/Pakistani-fury-as-army-lets-Sharif-fly-into-exile.html |date=2 November 2019}}. ''The Telegraph'' (11 December 2000).</ref>

===Constitutional changes===
{{See also|Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan}}
Shortly after Musharraf's takeover, Musharraf issued [[The Oath of Judges Order 2000|Oath of Judges Order No. 2000]], which required judges to take a fresh oath of office.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t-AqDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA220 |title=Law, State and Inequality in Pakistan: Explaining the Rise of the Judiciary |last=Azeem |first=Muhammad |date=2 July 2017 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-981-10-3845-7 |pages=220 |language=en |access-date=17 December 2019 |archive-date=5 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205133810/https://books.google.com/books?id=t-AqDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA220 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 12 May 2000, the Supreme Court asked Musharraf to hold national elections by 12 October 2002.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/pakistantraditio00mumt |url-access=registration |title=Pakistan: Tradition and Change |last1=Mumtaz |first1=Khawar |last2=Mitha |first2=Yameema |last3=Tahira |first3=Bilquis |date=2003 |publisher=Oxfam |isbn=978-0-85598-496-0 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/pakistantraditio00mumt/page/61 61] |language=en}}</ref> After President Rafiq Tarar's resignation, Musharraf formally appointed himself as President on 20 June 2001.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2HdeCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA275|title=The Shias of Pakistan: An Assertive and Beleaguered Minority|last=Rieck|first=Andreas|date=15 January 2016|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-061348-8|pages=275|language=en|access-date=17 December 2019|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205133810/https://books.google.com/books?id=2HdeCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA275|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2002, he issued the [[Legal Framework Order, 2002|Legal Framework Order No. 2002]], which added numerous amendments to the [[Constitution (Pakistan)|Constitution]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sYo0DgAAQBAJ&pg=PA181|title=The Dynamics of Judicial Independence: A Comparative Study of Courts in Malaysia and Pakistan|last=Neudorf|first=Lorne|date=22 February 2017|publisher=Springer|isbn=978-3-319-49884-3|pages=181|language=en|access-date=17 December 2019|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205133810/https://books.google.com/books?id=sYo0DgAAQBAJ&pg=PA181|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2002 general elections====
{{Main|Shaukat Aziz#Prime minister|l1=Government of Prime minister Shaukat Aziz (2004-2007)|Pakistani general elections, 2002}}

Musharraf called for nationwide political elections in the country after accepting the ruling of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.<ref name="Free Press (publisher)"/> Musharraf was the first military president to accept the rulings of the Supreme Court and holding free and fair elections in 2002, part of his vision to return democratic rule to the country.<ref name="Free Press (publisher)"/> In October 2002, Pakistan held [[2002 Pakistani general elections|general elections]], which the pro-Musharraf [[Pakistan Muslim League (Q)|PML-Q]] won wide margins, although it had failed to gain an absolute majority. The PML-Q formed a government with far-right religious parties coalition, the [[Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal|MMA]] and the liberals [[Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan|MQM]]; the coalition legitimised Musharraf's rule.<ref name="Free Press (publisher)"/>

After the elections, the PML-Q nominated [[Zafarullah Khan Jamali]] for the office of prime minister, which Musharraf also approved.<ref name="Free Press 368">{{cite book|last=Musharraf|first=Pervez|title=In the Line of Fire: A Memoir|year=2006|publisher=[[Free Press (publisher)|Free Press]]|location=Pakistan|isbn=074-3283449|url=https://archive.org/details/inlineoffirememo00mush|url-access=registration|edition=1|pages=[https://archive.org/details/inlineoffirememo00mush/page/145 145]–146; 179; 234–235; 277, 368|access-date=15 November 2015}}</ref> After first session at the [[Parliament of Pakistan|Parliament]], Musharraf voluntarily transferred the powers of chief executive to Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali.<ref name="Free Press (publisher)"/> Musharraf succeeded to pass the [[Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan|XVII amendment]], which grants powers to dissolve the parliament, with approval required from the Supreme Court.<ref name="Free Press (publisher)"/> Within two years, Jamali proved to be an ineffective prime minister as he forcefully implemented his policies in the country and caused problems with the business class elites. Musharraf accepted the resignation of Jamali and asked his close colleague [[Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain]] to appoint a new prime minister in place.<ref name="Free Press (publisher)"/> Hussain nominated Finance minister Shaukat Aziz, who had been impressive due to his performance as finance minister in 1999. Musharraf regarded Aziz as his right hand and preferable choice for the office of Prime minister.<ref name="Free Press (publisher)"/> With Aziz appointed as Prime minister, Musharraf transferred all executive powers to Aziz as he trusted Shaukat Aziz.<ref name="Free Press (publisher)"/> Aziz proved to be extremely capable in running the government; under his leadership economic growth reached to a maximum level, which further stabilised Musharraf's presidency.<ref name="South Asia: BBC Pakistan ">{{cite news |title=Profile: Shaukat Aziz |publisher=BBC South Asia Directorate |quote=Pakistan's Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz is a former private banker credited with recent reforms of his country's economy... British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) remarks |date=19 August 2004|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3941185.stm |format=STM |access-date=8 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810091403/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3941185.stm |archive-date=10 August 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> Aziz swiftly, quietly and quickly undermined the elements seeking to undermine Musharraf, which became a factor in Musharraf's trust in him.<ref name="South Asia: BBC Pakistan "/> Between 2004 and 2007, Aziz approved many projects that did not require Musharraf's permission.<ref name="South Asia: BBC Pakistan "/>

In 2010, all constitutional changes carried out by Musharraf and Aziz's policies were reverted by the 18th Amendment, which restored the powers of the Prime Minister and reduced the role of the President to levels below that of even the pre-Musharraf era.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/window-on-pak-press/story/pak-deletes-dictators-from-constitution-71340-2010-04-09 |title=Pak deletes dictators from Constitution |last=Farzand |first=Ahmed |date=9 April 2010 |website=India Today |language=en |url-status=live |access-date=17 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217095909/https://www.indiatoday.in/window-on-pak-press/story/pak-deletes-dictators-from-constitution-71340-2010-04-09 |archive-date=17 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/04/09/pakistan.constitution/index.html |title=Pakistan lawmakers approve weakening of presidential powers |last=Khalid |first=Kiran |date=9 April 2010 |publisher=CNN |language=en |url-status=live |access-date=17 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210202449/http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/04/09/pakistan.constitution/index.html |archive-date=10 December 2019}}</ref>

He suspended the country's democratic process and imposed two states of emergency, leading to his conviction for treason. During his rule, he implemented both liberal reforms and authoritarian measures, while also forming alliances and impacting the situation in Balochistan. The legacy of Musharraf's era serves as a cautionary tale for future leaders in Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1735587|title=The Musharraf enigma|date=6 February 2023|website=Dawn|location=Pakistan|access-date=6 February 2023|archive-date=6 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206112308/https://www.dawn.com/news/1735587|url-status=live}}</ref>