Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has categorically refuted claims that Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir harbors any intention of becoming Pakistan’s president. In an interview with The Economist, the military spokesman dismissed these rumors as “nonsense,” reinforcing the position that there is no plan for a change in the country’s political leadership involving the military chief.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also addressed these speculations in July, dismissing reports suggesting that President Asif Ali Zardari might be asked to step down or that the COAS aims to take over the presidency. The prime minister emphasized the strong relationship and mutual respect shared among himself, the president, and the army chief, focusing on their joint commitment to Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.
Furthermore, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned what he described as a “malicious campaign” targeting the country’s top leaders. He publicly affirmed that there had been no discussions or ideas regarding President Zardari’s resignation or COAS’s presidential aspirations, signalling a unified front by the government and military leadership against such rumors.
On the defense front, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry warned India against any repeat of aggression towards Pakistan. He stated that Pakistan’s strategy would start with striking deeper within India if provoked, emphasizing that India must recognize its vulnerability to counterattacks throughout its territory. This underscores Pakistan’s resolve to protect its sovereignty against any threats.