Zardari to Remain President, COAS never sought presidency: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has firmly denied recent rumours claiming President Asif Ali Zardari might be asked to resign or that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir is eyeing the presidency.

The prime minister dismissed the speculation, saying, “Field Marshal Asim Munir has never expressed any desire to become the president, nor is there any such plan in the offing.” He added that he, President Zardari, and Field Marshal Munir share mutual respect and a joint vision for Pakistan’s progress.

Interior Minister Slams “Malicious Campaign”

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also addressed the issue, calling it a “malicious campaign” against the country’s top leadership. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi said, “We are fully aware of who is behind the malicious campaign.” He added, “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.”

Naqvi further alleged foreign involvement in spreading the rumours, stating, “To those involved in this narrative, do whatever you wish in collaboration with hostile foreign agencies. As for us, we will do whatever is necessary to make Pakistan strong again, InshAllah.”

Senate Chairman Calls Reports ‘Disinformation’

Chairman Senate and former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani also rejected the rumours, labelling them as “pure disinformation.”

The unified denial from top government officials and political figures shows a clear intention to quash speculation and maintain political stability.