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Govt Rejects Rumors of Zardari’s Resignation, Army Chief’s Political Aspirations
Interior Minister Naqvi denies rumors of Zardari’s resignation, says COAS focused only on national stability. Labels campaign “foreign-backed propaganda.”
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-10
Govt Rejects Rumors of Zardari’s Resignation, Army Chief’s Political Aspirations

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Monday categorically rejected the “malicious” social media campaign targeting President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling it a foreign-aided disinformation drive.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi stated:

“We are fully aware of who is behind the malicious campaign targeting President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, and the COAS.”

He emphasized that there had been no internal discussion about President Zardari resigning or Field Marshal Munir assuming the presidency — rumors that have been circulating online in recent days.

“The president enjoys a strong and respectful relationship with the armed forces' leadership,” Naqvi said, quoting Zardari as saying, “I know who is spreading these falsehoods, why they are doing so, and who stands to benefit from this propaganda.”

Naqvi accused those behind the rumors of collaborating with hostile foreign agencies, warning:

“You may continue your conspiracy; we will continue strengthening Pakistan, InshAllah.”

🔹 PML-N Senator Also Denies Reports

PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui, appearing on Geo News’ “Geo Pakistan”, also dismissed the swirling speculation.

“Zardari resigning, Imran’s sons returning, Nawaz Sharif going to Adiala — these are bogus, table stories,” he remarked.

Siddiqui reiterated that President Zardari has not created any obstacles for the government and is performing his duties within the constitutional framework.

“Why would we want to dismantle a working coalition with the PPP? There is no credible reason to remove Zardari from office.”

🔹 Army, Govt United Against Disinformation

The Pakistani military and civilian leadership have repeatedly denounced “fake news” and “digital terrorism”. Military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said earlier this year that not enough is being done under existing cyber laws to curb this threat.

This follows a pattern of targeted online campaigns against the military establishment — a trend that has intensified in the aftermath of major political developments, including the PTI government’s ouster and the May 9, 2023 riots.

🔹 Recent Honours and Unity on Display

In May 2024, President Zardari and PM Shehbaz jointly promoted COAS Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, citing his “exceptional strategic leadership” during the recent Marka-i-Haq conflict with India.

During a dinner following the ceremony, the army chief praised political leaders for their “strategic foresight”, reinforcing the message of civil-military unity.

Later, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif termed Pakistan’s current hybrid governance model as a “practical necessity”, saying it had brought “remarkable results”.

🔹 Background: Political Tensions and the Digital Battlefield

The renewed tensions arise as social media becomes an increasingly contested political battleground, where rumors and misinformation play a destabilizing role.

In May 2024, both the army chief and President Zardari condemned “baseless allegations” made by elements of a “specific political party” — widely seen as a reference to PTI — warning against using the military for political gains.
Tagged:

COAS

Zardari

fakenews

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