By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Tuesday to reaffirm their commitment to tackling the country’s political, economic, and security challenges, a show of unity amid growing speculation about potential leadership changes and constitutional amendments.
The meeting at the President House, attended by senior Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and the prime minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, centered on economic recovery, political cohesion, and counterterrorism efforts.
“The meeting involved discussions on the country’s political, economic, and security situation,” a statement issued by the Presidency said. “The state of law and order in the country and measures against terrorism were also discussed.”
“The prime minister briefed the president on the government’s measures to improve the economy. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to work together for the country’s stability, development, and prosperity.”
Tuesday’s meeting unfolded against a backdrop of intensifying rumors about a potential 27th constitutional amendment and claims that Zardari may soon step down, potentially clearing the way for Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir to assume the presidency, a move some suggest could herald a shift from the current parliamentary system to a presidential one.
Speculation has also swirled around alleged conditions for President Zardari’s exit, including a prominent role for his son, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in any new political arrangement. These rumors have stirred debate in political circles and online, though they remain unsubstantiated.
The government has moved swiftly to quash the speculation. Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the rumors head-on, dismissing them as baseless. “Field Marshal Asim Munir has never expressed any desire to become the president, nor is there any such plan in the offing,” Sharif said, terming the claims “mere speculation.”
He emphasized that he, Zardari, and Munir share a relationship rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to Pakistan’s progress.
Interior Minister also rejected suggestions of a plan to oust Zardari, and last week he took to X to reiterate his stance. “We are fully aware of who is behind the malicious campaign targeting President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the chief of army staff (COAS),” Naqvi wrote. “I have categorically stated that there has been no discussion — nor does any such idea exist — about the president being asked to resign or the COAS aspiring to assume the presidency.”
Naqvi accused unnamed actors of orchestrating a deliberate disinformation campaign. “I know who is spreading these falsehoods, why they are doing so, and who stands to benefit from this propaganda,” he said, adding that Zardari enjoys a “strong and respectful relationship” with the armed forces’ leadership.
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