Army Chief Dismisses Presidency Rumours

Military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has strongly denied presidency rumours surrounding Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir. The speculation, which gained momentum after recent political developments and Munir’s growing popularity, has been officially dismissed as baseless and misleading.

The denial comes amid increasing disinformation online, with the military and government calling out what they describe as “digital terrorism” and politically motivated propaganda.

‘Nonsense’ Claims, Says Military Spokesperson

In an interview with The Economist, ISPR Director General Gen Chaudhry made it clear that talk of COAS Munir becoming president is “nonsense.” He stressed that there is no such ambition or plan within the army.

His remarks align with an earlier statement by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who in July called the rumours “completely fabricated.” Naqvi stated that there was no intention to remove President Asif Ali Zardari, nor was there any desire from the army chief to pursue the presidency.

The Origin of the Speculation

Speculation intensified after Pakistan’s ruling coalition secured a two-thirds majority in Parliament—enough to enact constitutional amendments. This political milestone, combined with Munir’s increasing influence following the May conflict with India, sparked conjecture about a possible transition from army chief to head of state.

According to The Economist, Munir’s public approval surged following his leadership in the operation dubbed Marka-i-Haq. This victory elevated his standing both within the armed forces and among segments of the public.

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Honours and Recognition

In recognition of his strategic leadership during the conflict with India, COAS Asim Munir was elevated to the ceremonial rank of field marshal in May. President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif jointly conferred the title during a formal ceremony.

This made Munir only the second person in Pakistan’s history to hold the five-star rank, the first being Gen Ayub Khan in 1959. The field marshal title is highly symbolic, typically awarded in acknowledgment of extraordinary wartime service.

At a dinner following the decoration, Munir praised Pakistan’s political leadership for their unity and strategic insight during the conflict.

Clear Message from the Government

Interior Minister Naqvi later reiterated the strong relationship between President Zardari and the military. He stated that the president “clearly knows” who is behind the rumours and what political interests they serve.

Naqvi emphasized that COAS Munir remains focused solely on national stability and the institutional strength of Pakistan—not personal power. “His only priority is the country’s security and growth,” Naqvi added.

Concerns Over Fake News

Both civilian and military leadership have repeatedly voiced concern over the spread of misinformation. Gen Chaudhry highlighted the lack of effective action against what he called “digital terrorism” and urged for stricter enforcement of cyber laws.

The military’s media wing believes that such fake news campaigns threaten national unity and are designed to create distrust between institutions.

Support for Hybrid Governance

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, a senior figure in the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), defended the country’s hybrid governance model in an interview. He described it as a “practical necessity” for Pakistan’s current political climate and claimed it had produced positive results.

This model, which blends civilian and military influence, has often sparked debate. Critics argue it undermines democratic norms, while supporters say it ensures continuity and national security.

Reasserting Institutional Roles

The military’s sharp dismissal of the presidency rumours appears to be an attempt to reassert boundaries between civil and military institutions. By publicly distancing COAS Munir from any political ambitions, the army is sending a message that it has no intention of interfering with constitutional offices.

At a time when misinformation spreads rapidly through digital platforms, the military aims to control the narrative and reaffirm its commitment to its professional role.

While the rumours may persist in online circles, official statements from both the government and the military have made the position clear: Field Marshal Asim Munir has no plans to become the next president.