Interior Minister Denies Rumours of Zardari’s Resignation, Labels Campaign as Propaganda
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has categorically denied recent rumours suggesting that President Asif Ali Zardari is stepping down or that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir is seeking to assume the presidency. In a firm response posted on social media platform X on Thursday, Naqvi dismissed these claims as part of a coordinated misinformation campaign targeting top state officials, including Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the military leadership.
Naqvi said there has been no discussion, nor does any such idea exist, regarding the resignation of the president or the COAS’s interest in the presidency. He added that President Zardari enjoys a respectful and strong relationship with the leadership of the Armed Forces and reiterated that General Munir’s focus remains solely on the strength and stability of Pakistan.
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The minister further emphasized that those spreading such rumours are collaborating with hostile foreign agencies to create political unrest in the country. “We are fully aware of who is behind this narrative, why it’s being spread, and who stands to benefit from it,” he stated. He vowed that while such elements may continue with their agenda, the government will take all necessary steps to ensure Pakistan’s stability.
His remarks came in the wake of growing speculation on social and digital media, including claims of a new constitutional amendment aimed at removing President Zardari. These rumours gained traction after the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, following the restoration of reserved seats as per the Supreme Court’s verdict.
Senior leaders from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have also strongly refuted the reports. PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari dismissed the rumours, stating there was no truth to claims about Zardari’s removal. He added that the federal government cannot function without the PPP’s support and that such speculation reflects a lack of understanding of constitutional procedures. Bukhari also clarified that the PPP has no intention of joining the federal cabinet.
Similarly, PPP senior leader and Senator Sherry Rehman condemned the rumours, calling them baseless and misleading. She described the campaign as a deliberate attempt to undermine Pakistan’s democratic structure and urged the public to reject fake news and politically motivated propaganda. Rehman highlighted President Zardari’s consistent commitment to democracy and his crucial role in transferring presidential powers to Parliament, strengthening the foundation of parliamentary democracy.
She added that President Zardari remains a symbol of constitutional integrity and democratic stability, particularly during times of national challenge. His presence, she noted, is key to safeguarding the Constitution, Parliament, and democratic institutions.
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