ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has categorically denied reports suggesting that President Asif Ali Zardari is being pressured to resign or that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir is interested in assuming the presidency. The Prime Minister called the rumors fabricated, speculative, and aimed at creating confusion.
In an exclusive conversation with The News, PM Shehbaz clarified that no such proposal has been discussed at any official level, and added that Field Marshal Asim Munir has never expressed any political ambitions, including the presidency.
“These claims are entirely baseless,” the Prime Minister said. “There is no truth to any discussion about replacing the President. Our relationship — between myself, the President, and the Army Chief — is built on mutual trust, national interest, and the shared goal of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Pakistan.”
The rumors began circulating on social media and certain media circles, suggesting political friction at the highest level of Pakistan’s leadership. In response, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took to X (formerly Twitter) to strongly condemn what he called a “coordinated campaign” against the country’s top leadership.
Naqvi, who is seen as closely aligned with the military, stated: “We know who is behind this organized campaign. There has been no talk — formal or informal — about President Zardari stepping down or the COAS being considered for the role. These are deliberate attempts to mislead the public and undermine institutional harmony.”
Political analysts believe such rumors often surface during periods of strategic policy decisions or political transitions. However, both civil and military leadership now appear united in projecting an image of stability, cooperation, and constitutional continuity.
The government has not ruled out the possibility of legal or regulatory action against those spreading false or politically sensitive information online.