The Pakistan Army has categorically denied widespread rumors suggesting that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir is planning to become the next President of Pakistan. The denial comes amid a rising wave of political misinformation and speculative commentary making rounds on social and mainstream media.
In a detailed interview with The Economist, Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, refuted the claims. He stated that the rumors about COAS Asim Munir aiming for the presidency were “completely baseless” and devoid of any truth. He emphasized that such unfounded speculations are misleading and potentially destabilizing for the country.
Adding further weight to the Army’s statement, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to address the ongoing smear campaign. He made it clear that there is no discussion within the government or any constitutional body about President Asif Ali Zardari being asked to resign, nor is there any intention or plan involving Field Marshal Asim Munir assuming the presidency.
Interior Minister Naqvi condemned what he described as a “malicious campaign” aimed at targeting not just President Zardari but also Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and COAS Asim Munir. He insisted that the motivations behind these narratives are politically driven and that the sources are well-known to state institutions.
“We are fully aware of who is behind this propaganda. Their aim is to destabilize the government and erode public trust in key institutions,” Naqvi said.
He also cited President Zardari’s own remarks on the issue, quoting him as saying, “I know who is spreading these falsehoods, why they are doing so, and who stands to benefit from this propaganda.”
Naqvi reaffirmed that the COAS is completely focused on strengthening Pakistan’s national stability and security, and “nothing else.”
DG ISPR emphasized that the Pakistan Army remains committed to its constitutional role and supports the democratic process in the country. “Field Marshal Asim Munir is not engaged in any political ambitions,” Chaudhry reiterated.
This clarification aligns with the Army’s longstanding narrative of distancing itself from direct political engagement. Over the past few years, both military and civilian leaderships have reiterated their desire to uphold democratic norms and ensure civilian supremacy in governance.
Separately, during the same interview, the DG ISPR issued a clear and firm warning to India against any aggressive military misadventure. With regional tensions escalating due to increasing ceasefire violations and hostile rhetoric, the DG ISPR underscored Pakistan’s readiness to defend itself.
“If India chooses the path of military aggression, they should be prepared for a robust and possibly unconventional response,” he said.
He added that Pakistan’s strategic doctrine allows it to start its response from the eastern front, indicating that Pakistan would not wait to be struck before retaliating.
“India needs to understand that they too can be targeted anywhere,” said Chaudhry, stressing Pakistan’s full-spectrum deterrence capability.
The denial of presidential ambitions by the military leadership comes at a sensitive time when the political landscape in Pakistan is already strained due to economic challenges, rising inflation, and increased international scrutiny. The recent IMF deal and its attached conditions have placed additional pressure on the ruling coalition, making political stability even more critical.
Rumors about potential political changes, especially involving powerful institutions like the military, create confusion and undermine investor confidence. Analysts believe that such campaigns are often timed to create instability or provoke reactions ahead of critical decisions or political transitions.
This is not the first time that such claims have surfaced. Similar speculation has often emerged around influential military figures in Pakistan’s history, given the military’s significant role in shaping the country’s political trajectory. However, the consistent and united front presented by the current military and civilian leadership appears to reflect a commitment to constitutional governance.
