Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, issued a firm denial on Thursday regarding circulating social media speculation about President Asif Ali Zardari’s potential removal from office.
In an official statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Naqvi characterised these rumours as completely baseless and part of a coordinated disinformation campaign.
The minister emphasised the strong working relationship between Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership, specifically noting the respectful dynamic between President Zardari and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir. “There has been no discussion, nor does any such idea exist regarding changes in the presidency,” Naqvi stated unequivocally. He quoted President Zardari as having personal knowledge about the origins and motivations behind these false claims.
We are fully aware of who is behind the malicious campaign targeting President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and the Chief of Army Staff. I have categorically stated that there has been no discussion,nor does any such idea exist,about the President being asked…
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) July 10, 2025Naqvi described the rumours as malicious attempts to undermine the current unity between Pakistan’s political leadership, government administration, and military establishment. He suggested foreign actors might be involved in spreading this disinformation, noting that such campaigns typically emerge when Pakistan demonstrates internal cohesion. The minister vowed that authorities would take all necessary measures to counter these false narratives and protect national stability.
This marks the second time in a week that Naqvi has addressed such speculation, having previously dismissed similar rumours during a press interaction in Sukkur. He attributed the proliferation of these claims to elements disturbed by Pakistan’s current political-military alignment, stating, “For the first time, politicians, the government, and the military establishment are on the same page.”
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has issued a separate statement supporting Naqvi’s position and reaffirming President Zardari’s constitutional authority. Political analysts note that such coordinated denials from both government and party officials suggest particular concern about the potential destabilising effects of these rumours during a period of economic challenges and regional tensions.
