Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly refuted circulating rumors that President Asif Ali Zardari might be forced to resign or that Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir has any intention of assuming the presidency. Dismissing the claims as “mere speculation,” the premier clarified that no such discussions have taken place. He stressed that the relationship between President Zardari, General Munir, and himself is based on mutual respect and a shared vision for Pakistan’s development.
The statement follows Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s public rejection of what he termed a “malicious campaign” targeting the country’s top leadership. Naqvi, known for his close ties with the military, asserted that neither the president’s resignation nor the army chief’s alleged political ambitions had ever been considered. He warned that hostile foreign elements could be behind the false narrative.
Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani also denounced the reports as “pure disinformation,” joining a growing chorus of government and coalition leaders in dispelling the rumors. The unified response highlights a collective effort to counter politically motivated misinformation aimed at destabilizing the political environment.
As officials continue to deny the claims, the episode underscores the challenges of combating fake news in Pakistan’s highly polarized media landscape. The government’s firm stance signals its intent to maintain stability and focus on governance amid external and internal pressures.