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Pakistan's self-appointed democratic leader
(CNN) -- Musharraf came to power in a bloodless military coup in October 1999, taking the role of 'Chief Executive' of Pakistan. He was given three years by the Supreme Court to curb corruption, introduce reforms and return the country to democracy. On June 20, 2001, he appointed himself the nation's president while continuing to hold the office of Chief of Army Staff and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. The court deadline would have ended his rule in October 2002, but Musharraf claimed his task was not yet finished. In April 2002 he held a controversial nationwide referendum to remain as leader for another five years and received an overwhelming majority of votes. His support for the United States' war against terrorism has gained him praise in the West, but resulted in criticism from within his nation. In July 2002 a plot to assassinate Musharraf prior to the April referendum was uncovered. He is married to Sehba Musharraf with one son and one daughter, both of who are married. His son and a brother live in the United States. TimelineBorn August 11, 1943 in New Delhi before India gained independence from Great Britain 1949 - 1956: Musharraf spent his early childhood in Turkey owing to his father's deputation in Ankara 1957: Migrated to Karachi 1964: Joined Pakistani army. Trained as a commando at the military academy of Kakul 1965: Awarded Imtiazi Sanad (medal) for gallantry during the 1965 Indo Pakistan war 1971: Served as a Company Commando in the commando battalion war with India 1971-1995: Held different positions in the military, including commanding armored divisions and infantry brigades 1993-1995: Served as Director General Military Operations at the General Headquarters 1998: Achieved rank of General on October 7th, and appointed Chief of Army Staff 1999: Seized power in October in a bloodless coup. Took the role of 'Chief Executive' of Pakistan on October 12. Continues to hold office of Chief of Army Staff and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee June 20, 2001: Appoints himself President of Pakistan, but says he remains committed to returning democracy to the nation July 13, 2001: Arrives in New Delhi for talks with Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. Talks end in failure two days later October 8, 2001: Musharraf requests resumption of peace talks with India December 13, 2001 : Pakistan blamed for suicide attack on Indian parliament. India tells Musharraf to crackdown on Pakistan-based separatist groups January 12, 2002: Musharraf declares crackdown on religious extremism March 9, 2002: India shuns Pakistan invitation for talks April 9, 2002: Pakistan sets referendum on April 30 to vote on whether Musharraf will remain as leader for another five years. Musharraf says he will stay on as army chief regardless of the outcome April 30, 2002: Musharraf receives overwhelming support to remain Pakistani leader for a further five years from October July 6, 2002: Musharraf issues a decree effectively barring his two predecessors from ever holding the office of prime minister again
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