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In a decisive statement aimed at ending growing political speculation, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi firmly rejected rumors that President Asif Ali Zardari is being asked to resign or that Army Chief General Asim Munir harbors any ambition to become President of Pakistan. His comments come amid rising chatter on social media and in some media outlets, suggesting possible shifts at the highest levels of the country’s civil and military leadership.
According to Naqvi, these rumors are not only “baseless” but are also part of what he called a “malicious campaign” designed to create political instability in Pakistan. He stressed that both President Zardari and General Munir enjoy a strong working relationship, and there is no friction between the civilian government and the military establishment.
“Neither is President Zardari going anywhere, nor is the Army Chief interested in the presidency. There is no such discussion at any level,” said Naqvi in a recent media appearance.
The Pakistani political landscape has long been vulnerable to speculation, especially when it comes to civil-military relations. However, the current set of rumors appears to have crossed a line, prompting strong pushback from the government. According to Naqvi, the speculation is being amplified by certain “elements” with the intent to sow confusion and distrust among the public.
Without naming names, Naqvi hinted that foreign hands might be behind the disinformation campaign. He stated that the country’s enemies are attempting to destabilize Pakistan by attacking its democratic institutions and spreading discord between civilian leaders and the military.
“This propaganda is not accidental. It is well-planned and targeted to undermine public trust. We have identified some foreign and local actors involved in spreading this fake narrative,” he added.
One of the central themes of Naqvi’s statement was the unprecedented level of coordination and cooperation between the civilian government and the military. He emphasized that President Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and General Asim Munir are aligned on the national agenda and are working collectively for Pakistan’s stability and development.
Such unity, Naqvi argued, appears to be “unacceptable” to those who benefit from chaos. He implied that the success of this alignment may have triggered efforts to drive a wedge between institutions.
“The unity we are witnessing today between the presidency and the military has not been seen in years. Those who fear stability are now trying to break this alliance through lies and disinformation,” he said.
The claim that General Asim Munir may be eyeing the presidency is particularly sensitive in Pakistan, where the military has historically played an outsized role in political affairs. Naqvi categorically denied that there is any intention, plan, or desire from General Munir to assume a political role, let alone the presidency.
This clarification is significant given the country’s complex civil-military history. Naqvi’s assertion is a clear attempt to reassure the public and the political class that the military remains committed to its constitutional role and has no interest in direct political involvement.
“The Army Chief is focused solely on his duty to protect the nation and strengthen its defense. He has no political ambitions,” Naqvi asserted.
Naqvi also used the opportunity to reaffirm the government’s commitment to democratic continuity and constitutional governance. He underscored that Pakistan’s current leadership structure—both civil and military—respects democratic norms and is united in working for the nation’s progress.
His message was aimed not only at calming domestic concerns but also at signaling to the international community that Pakistan remains stable, with no imminent changes in leadership or governance.
“There is no crisis. The system is functioning smoothly. All institutions are working within their constitutional limits,” said the Interior Minister.
In a political environment often plagued by uncertainty and rumors, Minister Naqvi’s firm stance appears to be an attempt to close the door on damaging speculation. His comments serve as a strong message to both domestic and foreign actors: the state is stable, the leadership is united, and disinformation campaigns will not succeed in derailing Pakistan’s democratic trajectory.
As the country faces major challenges—ranging from economic reform to security threats—the emphasis on unity at the top could be a stabilizing factor. But in a nation where rumors often carry political weight, time will tell whether this strong rebuttal will put the matter to rest.
Reference: نہ صدر زرداری کہیں جا رہے ہیں اور نہ آرمی چیف صدر پاکستان بننا چاہتے ہیں:وزیر داخلہ
