ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday strongly denied social media rumours about the ouster of President Asif Ali Zardari, calling them part of a “malicious campaign” aimed at undermining the country’s top leadership.
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Naqvi rejected claims suggesting that President Zardari was being asked to resign or that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal General Asim Munir, was seeking political office. “There has been no discussion, nor does any such idea exist,” Naqvi asserted.
He described the speculation as an attempt to sow discord between Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership. “We are fully aware of who is behind this campaign targeting President Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and the COAS,” Naqvi said, without naming specific actors. He added that the disinformation was being pushed by individuals disturbed by the current unity among state institutions.
Quoting President Zardari, Naqvi said, “I know who is spreading these falsehoods, why they are doing so, and who stands to benefit from this propaganda.” He further reiterated that the relationship between the president and the military remains “strong and respectful.”
“The sole focus of the COAS is the strength and stability of Pakistan, nothing else,” he emphasized, adding that those behind the smear campaign are aligned with hostile foreign elements.
Naqvi also addressed the issue during a press interaction in Sukkur last week, urging journalists and the public not to be misled by unverified social media posts. “Some people are disturbed by our unity,” he said, referring to the alignment between the government, military, and political leadership.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) issued a separate statement echoing Naqvi’s stance, reaffirming that there are no plans to replace President Zardari.
“The unity between our institutions is our strength,” Naqvi concluded, vowing firm action to counter any destabilizing agendas.
