ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf died in a Dubai hospital on Sunday at the age of 79 after a long illness, his family confirmed.

The former military ruler received amyloidosis treatment at the American Hospital in Dubai. He left Pakistan for medical treatment on March 18, 2016, after his travel ban was lifted.

On Monday morning, a special jet will depart from Rawalpindi's Nur Khan Airbase for Dubai, bringing Musharraf's mortal remains back to Pakistan.

Last year, reports of Musharraf's death circulated, but the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), the former ruler's political party, dismissed them.

The party had denied reports that he was in critical condition or on a ventilator. It went on to say that Musharraf was being treated for amyloidosis at home and that his condition was stable.

Amyloidosis is caused by the accumulation of an abnormal protein in organs and tissues, causing them to malfunction.

According to his family sources, the former president will be buried in a Karachi cemetery. The bereaved family formally approached Pakistan's consulate in Dubai, requesting permission to return Musharraf's mortal remains to his homeland.

Meanwhile, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed that the former army chief's mortal remains are being transported.

"Our Missions in the UAE are in contact with the family and are assisting with the transportation of the mortal remains," she said.

Musharraf was born in Delhi, British India, on August 11, 1943. On April 19, 1961, he received his commission from the Pakistan Military Academy Kakul.

The former military ruler joined the Special Services Group after receiving his commission. The military ruler also fought in the wars of 1965 and 1971.

In 1998, he was promoted to general and appointed chief of army staff (COAS). A year later, on October 12, 1999, Gen (retd) Musharraf usurped power in a coup and declared himself the country's chief executive.

During his tenure, the military leader accepted the US proposal to make Pakistan a front-line ally following the 9/11 attacks.