Pakistan’s military has categorically dismissed the recent speculations that Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, is interested in pursuing the presidency. The dismissal follows weeks of discussion on social media and fringe commentary about a forced departure of President Asif Ali Zardari followed by a capture of power by Munir. The speculation seemed to snowball from the time Munir was made a Field Marshal and he held several meetings with politicians .
While denying the report, army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry called the rumour “totally baseless,” explaining that Munir was not interested in postulating as president, nor was there a plan for Munir to run.
In July, the Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, referred to the rumour as a “malicious campaign,” at the same time reaffirming the positive relationship between the leadership of the military and civilian government, including Zardari, Sharif and Munir.
He further explained that Munir’s only plan is for the stability and strength of Pakistan. Also in echo of the same message, Sharif said this kind of talk was mere “speculations” where there were no dialogues nor plans for Zardari’s removal or Munir’s taking over as President.
