Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has rubbished speculation about any rift at the top, making it clear that President Asif Ali Zardari is not being asked to resign, and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir harbors no political ambitions.
In an exclusive conversation with The News on Friday, the prime minister called the circulating rumours “baseless” and “completely fabricated.” He stressed that Field Marshal Asim Munir has “never shown any interest in becoming the president,” nor is there any such plan in consideration. Shehbaz Sharif underlined the unity among the country’s top leadership, saying he, President Zardari, and the Army Chief share mutual respect and a shared vision for a stable and prosperous Pakistan.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also stepped in to slam the “malicious campaign” being run on social media and elsewhere. Taking to his official X handle, Naqvi said, “We know exactly who is behind this narrative,” and reiterated that there is no truth to talk of any resignation or presidential ambitions linked to the COAS. He even hinted at foreign involvement, warning: “You can carry on with your plans in collaboration with hostile agencies, but we will continue to work for a strong Pakistan, InshAllah.”
Echoing the same stance, Senate Chairman and former Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani dismissed the chatter as “pure disinformation,” calling it a deliberate attempt to create instability.
The unified tone from the top political and military circles aims to put to rest the rumours that have been doing the rounds in recent weeks. The message is clear: the leadership is intact, aligned, and focused on the country’s future—not political games.
