Pakistan’s former president, Pervez Musharraf, died in Dubai on Monday after a prolonged illness. He was 79.

Musharraf was a former military ruler who allied with the United States and promoted moderate Islam. He was one of Pakistan’s most influential political figures, serving as president from 2001 to 2008.

Musharraf was born in Delhi in 1943 and was educated at the Royal Military College in Dharamshala, India. He was commissioned in the Pakistan Army in 1964 and rose to the rank of four-star general.

Musharraf was appointed Chief of Army Staff in 1998 and took power in a military coup in 1999. He declared himself president in 2001, and was re-elected in 2006.

Musharraf resigned in 2008 amid growing political pressure and fled to London. He returned to Pakistan in 2013 to stand trial for treason, but he was pardoned and allowed to leave the country.

Musharraf’s death has been met with sadness and shock in Pakistan. He will be remembered for his role in the country’s history and for his efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.