PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has categorically denied widespread rumours suggesting that President Asif Ali Zardari may be asked to step down or that Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir harbours aspirations to assume the country’s presidency.
In a detailed response reported by a private English-language daily, the prime minister strongly rejected what he termed as unfounded speculation, stating that no such developments are under consideration.
“Field Marshal Asim Munir has never expressed any interest in the presidency, nor is there any such plan under discussion,” Prime Minister Shehbaz was quoted as saying. He emphasized that his working relationship with both President Zardari and the army chief remains strong, cordial, and rooted in a shared commitment to national stability and development.
The statement from the prime minister comes amid a wave of social media chatter and speculative news reports that have hinted at a possible political shake-up at the highest levels of government. However, top officials have moved swiftly to dispel these narratives.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also issued a strong rebuttal to the claims, terming them part of a “malicious campaign” aimed at sowing division within the country’s civil and military leadership. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi stated, “We know very well who is behind this campaign. There has been no discussion, nor is there any intention, to seek the president’s resignation or entertain any presidential ambitions by the army chief.”
Naqvi went further to accuse foreign hostile elements of fueling these rumours as part of a broader strategy to destabilize Pakistan’s leadership and institutions. “Those working with enemy agencies can do as they please, but we will do whatever it takes to strengthen Pakistan once again, Insha’Allah,” he said.
Adding his voice to the dismissals, Senate Chairman and former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani described the rumours as “baseless propaganda” meant to distract from the government’s ongoing efforts to address national challenges.
Observers say the swift and coordinated response from the country’s top civilian leadership reflects a desire to maintain institutional unity and send a clear message that such narratives will not be allowed to undermine political stability.
The denials aim to close the door on what many officials believe is a calculated attempt to generate confusion and mistrust at a time when the government is focused on key economic and security reforms.
