The military coup in Pakistan was executed following escalating tensions between the civilian government led by Nawaz Sharif and the military establishment. On October 12, 1999, Prime Minister Sharif attempted to dismiss General Pervez Musharraf while he was returning to Karachi aboard a commercial flight from a foreign trip. In response, the military moved quickly to seize control of key installations, including the airport, television stations, and governmental offices, ensuring a bloodless transfer of power. This decisive action followed Sharif's increasingly authoritarian moves, including attempts to consolidate power and interfere with military affairs, which were met with widespread discontent among the military ranks.

Upon taking power, Musharraf addressed the nation, justifying the coup as a necessary step to restore stability and prevent the country from spiraling into chaos. He dissolved the national and provincial assemblies, and suspended the constitution, initiating a period of military rule that would last for several years. Musharraf's regime focused on economic reforms, foreign policy adjustments, and a controversial alignment with the United States in the war on terror post-9/11. His leadership style combined authoritarianism with some modernization efforts in Pakistan's economy and foreign relations.

The ramifications of the coup were far-reaching, affecting Pakistan's civil-military relations, political dynamics, and economic policies for years to come. While Musharraf portrayed the military's takeover as a necessary evil aimed at bringing order and progress, it led to significant political repression, the stifling of dissent, and increased polarization within Pakistani society over the role of the military in governance.