"My greatest achievement is economic revival of Pakistan - the possibility of pulling the country out of deep economic morass looked remote in 1999 - it looked almost improbable in the face of an inextricable circle of debt-servicing but we managed it," he told PTV's programme, A Morning with the First Family, aired Sunday evening.
First Lady Begum Sehba Musharraf, President's son Bilal Musharraf and his daughter Ayela Raza candidly shared their experiences, thoughts and hopes for the country's future in the programme.
The President referred to ever mounting debts, debt-servicing to the tune of $5 billion per annum and low income, abysmal forex reserves at the time of assuming responsibilities of the government in 1999 and said for a while he felt disheartened at the state of affairs in the beginning.
"We managed to bring about a turnaround. God has been very kind - now there is a complete reversal...we have everything: minds, potential and resources to progress and prosper; all these were mismanaged in the past," he stated, adding putting right people as heads of state-owned companies like Steel Mills and PNSC delivered.
The nation now is moving forward because the economy is growing, it lies at the heart of progress in all fields, he remarked.
In response to a question, the President said he would like the nation to remember him for saving the country and steering it as a dynamic society.
"Not only I saved the country from sinking but I would like to be remembered for taking it forward and putting it on a course to move forward as a dynamic, progressive and enlightened society - that is what we achieved for Pakistan.
President Musharraf saw a strong desire in the Pakistani youth to take the country forward and said the upbeat economic growth has replaced their disillusionment with hope.
"I have full confidence in youth, they have an urge to do something for Pakistan, they feel for Pakistan, I can see that urge in them, in the past there was disillusionment, now I can see light in them."
He told the interviewer that heroism means true leadership and not "commanding through weight of authority".
Heroism does not mean commanding through weight of authority but earning support, affection and liking of the people, he said and added he takes his colleagues along to have their ownership.
Continuing, President Musharraf said Pakistan army is fully with him because he has braved off difficulties and dangers with them.
In the wide-ranging interview, the President said improving the image of Pakistan has been close to his heart. He said he has initiated a number of steps to project soft image of the country through culture, sport and tourism and cancel out the negative perceptions about it.
The President recalled the 1965 and 1971 wars as important events of his life and said he was deeply hurt at the fall of East Pakistan.
Sharing his daily morning routine, the President said it includes glancing at newspaper headlines and editorial pages of about half a dozen leading national dailies.
In sport, the President said he plays tennis and likes swimming, at least three to four times a week.
The First Lady, in her message to the nation, called for a futuristic approach and said the young people must equip themselves with skills required for contributing to national development and strive for improving its image.
Bilal Musharraf said his father encouraged him to take part in sports and the two play tennis even now whenever they get a chance. He said his father has been friendly and a practical person, who believes in moving forward.
The son and the daughter of the President said their father respects their views and added that the parents have allowed them to develop their own individual personalities and choose their career paths.
They said they are proud of their father but do not believe in boasting to people that they are children of the President.