Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir has firmly denied reports of any leadership changes, labeling the rumours of President Zardari’s removal as baseless. Speaking during a Brussels meeting and in an interview, Munir expressed full support for the civilian government.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif marked Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day with calls for unity and defence of sovereignty. Leaders invoked the recent military clash with India and reaffirmed support for Kashmiris, urging all parties to join hands.
The onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free of terror so that the resumption of trade relations as well as composite dialogue to sort out all issues, including Kashmir, is possible.
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa officiated the swearing-in ceremony of the newly-elected President, attended by outgoing President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, armed forces chiefs, politicians, and foreign dignitaries.
The breakdown of voting members includes at least 162 from the provincial assembly in Sindh, 353 in Punjab, 65 in Balochistan, and 115 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, all contributing to the election of the new president.
