Shahbaz Govt Declares: Zardari Isn’t Resigning — What This Means for General Munir’s Power Play

Pakistan has dismissed the speculations about President Asif Ali Zardari’s resignation. The Shahbaz Sharif-led government has also denied claims that Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir harbors aspirations to assume the presidency. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has claimed that those spreading such reports are working for enemy intelligence agencies. Earlier, several reports had suggested that the relationship between Asif Ali Zardari and the Pakistani military was not cordial, and that tensions escalated further following statements by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. These reports also claimed that after being promoted to Field Marshal, General Munir sees himself as the future President. In this context, the Shahbaz government’s support for Zardari is being viewed as a setback for General Munir.

What did the Pakistani Interior Minister say?

On Thursday, Mohsin Naqvi issued a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle saying, “We are fully aware of who is behind the malicious campaign targeting President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and the Army Chief.” He further said, “I have made it absolutely clear that there has been no discussion, nor is there any consideration, of asking the President to resign or of the Army Chief assuming the presidency.” Naqvi said that President Zardari shares a strong and respectful relationship with the armed forces' leadership.

'Those spreading lies are agents of foreign agencies'

He referred to Zardari’s own statement: “I know who is spreading these lies, why they are doing it, and who is benefiting from this misinformation.” The Minister further said, “To those involved in this narrative, I say—do whatever you like in collaboration with hostile foreign agencies. As far as we are concerned, we will do whatever is necessary to strengthen Pakistan again, Insha’Allah.” He emphasized that the Army Chief’s sole focus is on Pakistan’s strength and stability—nothing else.

How did the rumor of Zardari's resignation start?

This clarification from Pakistan’s Interior Minister came at a time when rumors began circulating that the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had gained a simple majority in the National Assembly after the restoration of reserved seats by the Election Commission, following the decision of the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench. This increased the ruling coalition’s strength in the lower house from 218 to 235, effectively giving them a two-thirds majority. Earlier, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) General Secretary Nayyar Hussain Bukhari had also dismissed such speculations, stating that the federal government cannot function without the support of the PPP.

Will run the government with PPP, says PML-N

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has reiterated this stance, with Senator Irfan Siddiqui strongly rejecting any proposals about replacing the President. Speaking on a private television channel, Senator Siddiqui said, “There is no such proposal under consideration at any level.” He stressed that President Zardari is effectively performing his constitutional duties as head of state. Commenting on the coalition’s formation, Siddiqui said the PPP remains a partner in the PML-N-led government. He added, “Being in government together does not mean agreement on every issue.”

PPP and PML-N united against Imran Khan

Traditionally seen as rival parties, the PPP and PML-N have been working together since the ouster of Imran Khan from the Prime Minister’s office in April 2022. Led by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the PPP played a crucial role in the formation of the PML-N-led coalition government at the center following the general elections of February 2024. Although the PPP opted to support the government, it has not joined Shahbaz Sharif’s cabinet and has only accepted constitutional positions such as provincial governors and parliamentary custodians.