Pervez Musharraf is a retired four-star general of the Pakistan Army who served as the 9th President of Pakistan from 2001 to 2008. He came to power after a military coup in 1999, overthrowing the elected government of Nawaz Sharif. During his presidency, Musharraf was known for his efforts to modernize the economy and his alliance with the United States in the fight against terrorism. Musharraf's rule was marked by significant political controversy, including his imposition of emergency rule in 2007. After stepping down from the presidency, he faced various legal challenges and lived in self-imposed exile for several years. He returned to Pakistan in 2013 to participate in politics but faced legal issues related to his time in power.