The federal government on Thursday firmly rejected the ongoing rumors about President Asif Ali Zardari stepping down. It also rubbished claims that Field Marshal Asim Munir had any ambition to take over the presidency.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi addressed the matter on his official X handle. He made it clear that there was no truth in the speculations. “There has been no discussion, nor does any such idea exist about the President Asif Ali Zardari resigning,” Naqvi stated. “The Chief of Army Staff is also not seeking the office of the president.”
Naqvi accused certain elements of running a malicious campaign. He said the propaganda was aimed at damaging the image of President Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and the Army Chief. According to Naqvi, this campaign is backed by foreign hostile forces.
He quoted the president himself as saying, “I know who is behind these lies, what their motives are, and who benefits from this propaganda.” The interior minister warned that the government would act to protect national unity. “Let them do whatever they want with foreign help,” he said. “We will continue doing what’s best for Pakistan, InshAllah.”
This clarification from the security chief came just as rumors gained ground. The buzz intensified after the Election Commission of Pakistan reinstated reserved seats in the National Assembly. This led to the ruling PML-N gaining a simple majority. The party’s strength rose from 218 to 235 seats, giving it a two-thirds majority in the lower house.
Pakistan People’s Party Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari also responded to the rumors. He firmly denied the possibility of President Asif Ali Zardari being asked to resign. Bukhari said the federal government cannot operate without the PPP’s support.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz also rejected the claims. Senator Irfan Siddiqui stated there had been no discussion at any level about replacing the head of state. He praised Pakistan’s president for fulfilling his constitutional duties. Siddiqui criticized certain sections of the media for spreading misinformation.
Speaking about the current alliance, Siddiqui said the PPP continues to support the PML-N-led government. “Co-governance does not mean both parties agree on every issue,” he explained.
The two traditional rivals, PPP and PML-N, have worked together since Imran Khan’s removal in April 2022. After the February 2024 general elections, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s party helped form the coalition government led by PML-N at the Centre.
While the PPP did not join the federal cabinet, it accepted constitutional roles. These included posts like provincial governors and assembly speakers.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar recently emphasized that the PPP remains a key partner. He said the PML-N would not break the alliance now that it has a majority. “The PPP stood by us during hard times,” Dar said. “We won’t leave them during stable times.”
