Pakistan Army denies rumours of Gen Asim Munir seeking presidency

The Pakistan Army has dismissed rumours that Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir plans to become president, calling the speculation baseless. Officials reaffirmed that Munir remains focused on national stability and has no political ambitions.

Islamabad: The Pakistan Army has denied as “baseless” the rumours that Army chief Asim Munir plans to become the next president. The army’s response came following rumours and a wave of disinformation on social media during the previous weeks that Munir plans to replace President Asif Ali Zardari.

Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, in an interview with The Economist, made it clear that the army chief has no interest in the presidency and no such proposal is under consideration, the state-run PTV posted on social media on Wednesday.

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“Talks about Field Marshal Asim Munir becoming the president of Pakistan are completely baseless,” he said. On July 10, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi rejected rumours regarding the possible ouster of President Zardari and termed it a “malicious campaign.”

He said that President Zardari “enjoys a strong and respectful relationship with the leadership of the armed forces.” Naqvi stressed that Munir’s “sole focus” was Pakistan’s strength and stability, and “nothing else”.