PM Shehbaz dismisses rumors about COAS becoming president

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has categorically denied rumors suggesting that Field Marshal, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir has expressed a desire to become President of Pakistan or that President Asif Ali Zardari is stepping down.

In an interview, the prime minister described such claims as baseless and purely speculative. “There is no truth to these rumors. They are unfounded and serve only to create confusion,” he stated.

PM Shehbaz emphasized that both institutions and individuals are working within their constitutional roles, and urged the public and media to refrain from spreading misinformation.

He emphasized that his relationship with President Asif Ali Zardari and General Asim Munir is built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to Pakistan’s progress and prosperity. “There is complete harmony and understanding among us, and our focus remains on the development and stability of the country,” he added.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif assured that there was no authenticity in the news circulating about President Asif Ali Zardari’s resignation in some media circles.

The Prime Minister’s explanation has come at a time when Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued a statement on the official X (formerly Twitter), calling it a “organized conspiracy” campaign against President Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the Army Chief.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has strongly dismissed speculation regarding the resignation of President Asif Ali Zardari and the possibility of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir assuming the presidency.

Speaking to the media, Naqvi stated, “We are fully aware of who is behind this orchestrated campaign. I have made it absolutely clear that there has been no discussion, nor is there any intention, of seeking the president’s resignation or proposing General Asim Munir as his replacement.”