President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed their joint resolve to work in close coordination for Pakistan’s stability and development, amid rising speculation about constitutional changes.
According to an official statement issued by the Presidency on Tuesday, the two leaders met at the President House to review the country’s political, economic and security environment. Discussions also focused on internal security measures and strategies to curb terrorism.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed President Zardari on key government initiatives aimed at strengthening the economy. Both leaders underlined that close cooperation between the presidency and the government remains essential for achieving economic progress and national harmony.
The meeting was also attended by senior members of the federal cabinet and advisers, including Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and PM’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah.
The reaffirmation of unity between President Zardari and PM Shehbaz comes against the backdrop of widespread speculation regarding the proposed 27th constitutional amendment. Unverified reports circulating on social media have claimed that President Zardari could step down, allegedly opening the possibility for Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir to assume the presidency under a new presidential system.
Some of these rumours also suggest that President Zardari’s potential resignation could be tied to securing an influential political role for his son, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, in any new power arrangement.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, however, has consistently denied these claims. Earlier this month, Naqvi dismissed suggestions about plans to remove President Zardari. Again last week, he rejected social media reports alleging that Pakistan was set to abandon its parliamentary structure in favour of a presidential system with Field Marshal Asim Munir as president.
Naqvi wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “We are fully aware of who is behind the malicious campaign targeting President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the chief of army staff. I have categorically stated that there has been no discussion, nor does any such idea exist, about the president being asked to resign or the COAS aspiring to assume the presidency.”
The interior minister also stressed that President Zardari maintains a respectful and cooperative relationship with the military leadership. “I know who is spreading these falsehoods, why they are doing so, and who stands to benefit from this propaganda,” he added.
Despite political chatter, the leadership’s message remains clear: President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are determined to continue working together to navigate Pakistan through economic challenges and to strengthen democratic institutions.
