ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has flatly denied swirling rumours suggesting President Asif Ali Zardari may be asked to step down or that Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir harbours presidential ambitions.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The News on Friday, PM Shehbaz called the speculation “baseless” and “mere media chatter.” He asserted that no such discussions have taken place and dismissed the idea altogether.
“Field Marshal Asim Munir has never expressed any desire to become the president, nor is there any such plan in the offing,” the premier said.
He further added that his relationship with both President Zardari and Field Marshal Munir is grounded in mutual trust and shared national priorities. “We are focused on Pakistan’s progress. The trio stands united in purpose and vision,” he said.
Interior Minister Blames ‘Hostile Foreign Agencies’
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also strongly rebuked what he called a “malicious campaign” targeting the top state leadership. Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Naqvi minced no words in slamming the disinformation.
“We know exactly who’s behind this narrative,” Naqvi stated. “Let it be clear — there is no truth to any claims about President Zardari resigning or the COAS having any interest in the presidency.”
Naqvi, who is closely aligned with military circles, suggested that foreign actors may be trying to stir political instability. “Those pushing these rumours are not acting alone. They are aligned with hostile agencies. But Pakistan will respond — firmly and wisely,” he added.
His statement marks a significant escalation, bringing international interference into the conversation and framing the narrative war as not just political, but geopolitical.
Gilani, Allies Echo Denial Amid United Front
Chairman Senate and former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani also joined the chorus of voices dismissing the rumours. In a press statement, he labelled the reports as “pure disinformation,” designed to sow confusion and division.
The united reaction from multiple government figures suggests a strong desire to close ranks and squash any emerging narratives that may destabilize the current coalition or its civil-military balance.
Political observers believe the wave of statements signals a rare show of cohesion among Pakistan’s top power players — a message to both domestic critics and external forces that civil-military relations remain on firm footing.
The timing of the rumours — just as the government is grappling with economic recovery, foreign policy recalibrations, and internal security concerns — has raised eyebrows. Analysts argue that such narratives may be part of a broader campaign to disrupt governance and erode public confidence.
However, Friday’s flurry of official responses has made one thing clear: the government, the presidency, and the military are presenting a united stance. In the current climate, even whispers of internal rifts can spark outsized reactions. But for now, the country’s leadership seems determined to project stability — and shut the door on speculation.
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