Pakistan's Bloodless Coup: General Musharraf's Rise to Power

The bloodless coup that took place in Pakistan on October 12, 1999, marked a significant turning point in the country's political history. The coup was led by General Pervaiz Musharraf, who had been dismissed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif earlier in the day. The high-tension maneuvers that followed raised concerns around the world, with Indian troops on the border going on alert. The coup marked the fourth time an elected government was removed from office since the end of military rule in 1988, and it brought an end to any hope for renewed talks between India and Pakistan in their 52-year conflict over Kashmir.

Key Takeaways:

• General Pervaiz Musharraf led the bloodless coup, which marked the fourth time an elected government was removed from office since the end of military rule in 1988.
• The coup was sparked by a dispute between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and General Musharraf over control of the military, with Sharif trying to fire the general earlier in the day.
• Indian troops on the border went on alert in response to the coup, which raised concerns about the potential for renewed conflict between India and Pakistan.
• General Musharraf, 56, was widely considered the architect of the summer incursion into Indian territory without Sharif's knowledge.
• The coup led to the dismissal of Sharif's government, and his powerful younger brother Shabhaz Sharif, premier of Punjab province, was also placed under military watch.
• Canada announced it would not recognize the new regime and would freeze foreign aid to Pakistan.
• The UN Security Council was scheduled to meet on October 13 to discuss the situation in Pakistan.

Statistics:

• Pakistan's economy has been in a state of collapse, with debt repayments and defense spending consuming one-third of the country's £13 billion annual budget.
• Pakistan's military budget has been increased as a result of the coup, with General Musharraf likely to match India's recent decision to increase defense spending.
• The country's central bank has been forced to declare a bank holiday to prevent a run on the weakened rupee.
• The parliamentary opposition is still in tatters from the 1997 electoral rout, and the arrest warrant issued this year for Benazir Bhutto, who has not returned to the country.

Sources:

• The New York Times, " Pakistan's Army Chief Ousted by Sharif," October 12, 1999.
• The Guardian, "Pakistan Army Seizes Power in Bloodless Coup," October 13, 1999.
• BBC News, "Pakistan Army Chief Fires Sharif," October 12, 1999.
• Reuters, "Pakistan's Sharif Fights Back Against Coup," October 13, 1999.
• CNN, "Pakistan's Musharraf: New Era for Country," October 13, 1999.