Pervez Musharraf Tenth President of Pakistan Saturday, October 10th The Omni Hotel Four Riverway Registration: 11:30 a.m. Program: Noon-1:30 p.m. Members: $40 per person Non-members: $50 per person Sponsors: $250 per person Advance payment is required Registration for this program is closed. Tickets are sold out. Email: rsvp@wachouston.org Telephone: (713) 522-7811 To sponsor please view benefits and table sales form. Contact Lyon Forage for information.

Pervez Musharraf began his term as the president of Pakistan amid the turmoil of failing public institutions and ended at a time of increased endemic terror. In between, he reorganized its economic and electoral systems, shifting Pakistan toward progress and prosperity. Before becoming president, Musharraf had been chief of staff of Pakistan’s army. Under the constitution, he was given a three-year conservatorship. After it, he was elected president. He invigorated local governments by devolving power to them and the people. With his encouragement, women gained reserve seats in every tier of the parliament. His reforms allowed new businesses to operate with reduced government oversight. Under his leadership, Pakistan became among the fastest growing economies, partially fueled by foreign direct investment. His policies helped substantially to lower its foreign debt and to reduce poverty. Pakistan faces several challenges to its democracy and prosperity. It has been an essential friend and partner of the United States, and it still has a critical role in Southwest Asian politics.