MNN (Web-Desk); Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has unequivocally dismissed rumours suggesting that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir harbours any ambition to become Pakistan’s head of state.
In a recent interview with The Economist, the military spokesperson labelled such claims as “nonsense.” His remarks come amid growing media speculation about potential political shifts in Islamabad, particularly regarding President Asif Ali Zardari’s health and future in office.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had already addressed the rumours in July, terming them baseless. He clarified that Field Marshal Asim Munir has never expressed a desire to assume the presidency, nor is such a development under consideration.
The premier stressed that his working relationship with both President Zardari and COAS Munir is grounded in mutual respect and shared objectives for Pakistan’s progress.
Touching upon Pakistan’s posture towards India, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry issued a stern warning. In the event of future Indian aggression, he stated, “We’ll start from the east. They [India] also need to understand that they can be hit everywhere.”
His comments followed recent military tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, which flared up after an April attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which New Delhi blamed on Islamabad.
In response, Pakistan launched “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” a large-scale retaliatory operation targeting multiple Indian military assets. Pakistan reportedly downed six Indian jets, including three Rafales, and dozens of drones.
The brief but intense conflict ended on May 10 after a US-brokered ceasefire, which President Donald Trump announced on social media. While India downplayed Trump’s role, Pakistan formally credited him and nominated him for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation.
Meanwhile, political circles are abuzz with speculation about President Zardari’s health. Reports indicate that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is internally debating succession plans, anticipating his potential resignation due to worsening medical issues.
Sources close to the matter reveal that three PPP leaders are under consideration: Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani, President Zardari’s sister Faryal Talpur, and former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.
However, insider accounts suggest that Talpur’s candidacy did not receive approval from key stakeholders, while Gillani’s potential departure from the Senate raised concerns that it could allow the PML-N to gain the influential Senate chairmanship.
These dynamics have pushed Raja Pervaiz Ashraf to the forefront, reportedly enjoying behind-the-scenes consensus as a more neutral option.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also denied claims that COAS Asim Munir is being considered for the presidency once Zardari steps down, calling the rumours unfounded.
According to party sources, the PPP is coordinating closely with its coalition partners to ensure a smooth and politically stable transition if President Zardari officially vacates office.
While no formal announcement has been made yet, insiders indicate that preparations are underway to quickly navigate the constitutional process for electing a new president—without disrupting the delicate balance of power in Islamabad.
