The Pakistan Army has categorically rejected speculation that Field Marshal and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir is seeking to become the next President of Pakistan.
In an exclusive interview with The Economist, Director General of Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, dismissed the rumours as “completely baseless,” reaffirming that there is no such intention on the part of the military leadership.
The clarification comes on the heels of similar comments made last month by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who had also denounced the circulating claims of a presidential shake-up involving President Asif Ali Zardari. Naqvi had termed the rumours a “malicious campaign,” adding that no discussions were underway regarding the president’s resignation or a replacement.
The Economist report pointed out that Field Marshal Munir’s stature has grown significantly following his leadership during May’s military confrontation with India. It also noted that the ruling coalition’s recent two-thirds majority in parliament had fueled social media speculation about a possible transition in presidential leadership.
In a bold statement responding to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reported threats of military retaliation, DG ISPR warned, “This time, we will start from the East of India.” He added, “It will begin with deep strikes inside India — they must understand that they can be struck anywhere.”
Lieutenant General Chaudhry emphasized that the Chief of Army Staff’s sole priority remains “the strength and stability of Pakistan.”
Earlier this year, COAS General Asim Munir was elevated to the rare rank of Field Marshal by President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The federal cabinet had unanimously approved the promotion in recognition of Munir’s leadership in Operation Bunyanum Mursoos, a military operation hailed for successfully defending Pakistan’s sovereignty against Indian aggression.
Field Marshal Munir is only the second Pakistani military officer to be awarded this rank since independence. The first was General Ayub Khan in 1959.
Following the military success, Munir also commended the civilian leadership for their “strategic foresight” during Operation Marka-i-Haq. Later, during a White House meeting, former U.S. President Donald Trump praised Field Marshal Munir for his role in de-escalating the India-Pakistan conflict, calling their encounter an “honour.”
