Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has categorically rejected recent rumours suggesting that President Asif Ali Zardari might step down or that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir has aspirations to become president.

In a media interaction with a private news outlet, PM Shehbaz dismissed the claims as baseless, reaffirming that no such discussions have taken place at any level. “There is no truth to the speculation about President Zardari’s resignation, nor has Field Marshal Asim Munir ever shown any interest in holding political office,” the premier asserted.

He underscored his strong working relationship with both President Zardari and the army chief, citing mutual respect and a shared commitment to Pakistan’s stability and progress.

The clarification comes in the wake of growing online speculation and politically charged narratives circulating across social and digital media platforms.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also weighed in, strongly condemning what he called a “coordinated disinformation campaign” aimed at discrediting top national leaders. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi wrote, “There has been no conversation, formal or informal, about any change in the presidency. These claims are entirely fabricated.”

He went on to praise the existing rapport between President Zardari and the military leadership, stating that such rumors are being peddled for political mischief. “The COAS remains solely focused on national security and the institutional integrity of the Armed Forces,” Naqvi emphasized.

President Zardari himself has reportedly expressed awareness of the sources behind the misinformation and their potential motives, noting that such propaganda only serves hostile interests.

In a related development, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) also issued a strong denial. Party Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari dismissed the reports as unfounded, insisting that the federal government is reliant on PPP’s cooperation and that any talk of removing Zardari is politically nonsensical.

“There is no merit to these rumours. The PPP remains outside the federal cabinet by choice and is fully committed to its role within the constitutional framework,” Bukhari stated, emphasizing the party’s stability and Zardari’s continued role as president.

The rumors emerged amid the PML-N-led ruling coalition’s increasing strength in the National Assembly, following the restoration of reserved seats per a Supreme Court ruling. However, both the PPP and the federal government maintain there are no plans for any leadership shake-ups.

The unified denials from top government and party officials aim to put to rest the speculation and restore focus on governance and national priorities.