ISLAMABAD, (Parliament times) : Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi rebuffed on Thursday speculations on social media suggesting the ouster of President Asif Ali Zardari, calling them baseless.In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Naqvi defended the unity between the country’s political and military leadership.
He firmly denied any discussions or intentions concerning the president’s resignation or a change in leadership. He described the rumors as “malicious campaign” aimed at discrediting President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal General Asim Munir, asserting there is no truth to claims suggesting political rifts or changes in leadership.Referring to speculations suggesting that President Zardari has been asked to resign or that the COAS is seeking presidency, the interior minister said “there has been no discussion, nor does any such idea exist”.
He emphasised that the president maintains a “strong and respectful” relationship with the military’s top leadership and quoted President Zardari as saying, “I know who is spreading these falsehoods, why they are doing so, and who stands to benefit from this propaganda”.
“The sole focus of the COAS is the strength and stability of Pakistan, nothing else,” reiterated the interior minister.Naqvi linked those behind the alleged campaign with hostile foreign agencies, and vowed that the government would take “whatever action necessary to make Pakistan strong again, InshAllah”.
Naqvi made similar statements in Sukkur last week, telling journalists not to believe in social media rumours. “Some people are disturbed by our unity.”
He emphasised that the alignment between Pakistan’s political leadership, the military, and the government is the reason for the growing spread of disinformation.
“For the first time, politicians, the government, and the military establishment are on the same page, and that bothers certain individuals.”
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) also issued a statement to put to rest to speculations about the possible removal of President Zardari.