Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has firmly dismissed speculation about political changes in the country’s leadership, rejecting claims that President Asif Ali Zardari would step down and that he would take over the presidency. Speaking to senior journalist Suhail Warraich during a stopover in Brussels after his recent visit to the United States, Munir described such rumours as “false and misleading”, adding that the forces behind them were attempting to create “political anarchy” in Pakistan.

“There is no truth in these reports. Neither the presidency nor the prime ministership is changing hands,” Munir was quoted by Warraich in his column in Urdu daily Jang. On speculation that he may seek the presidency, Munir underlined his role as a soldier. “God has made me the protector of the country. I do not desire any position other than that,” he was quoted as saying. The Army Chief, recently elevated to the ceremonial rank of Field Marshal, noted that reports of a shift towards a presidential system were being pushed by “elements who oppose both the government and the establishment”.

Munir also offered rare praise for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, crediting him with working “18 hours a day”. At the same time, he pointedly remarked that “political reconciliation is possible only if there is a sincere apology” — a veiled reference to jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). This statement comes amid continuing deadlock between the government and Khan’s party, which has accused the military of orchestrating crackdowns against it.

Balancing Ties With US And China?

Munir’s remarks are significant in a country where the military has directly ruled for nearly half its history and continues to exercise enormous influence over civilian governments. His elevation to Field Marshal, only the second in Pakistan’s history after Ayub Khan, who later seized power as president, had further fuelled speculation about his political ambitions. By publicly ruling out a role beyond his military duties, Munir sought to project himself as a “guardian” rather than a political aspirant. “I do not seek power. My only role is to safeguard the country,” he reiterated in his conversation with Warraich.

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The Army Chief spoke about Pakistan’s foreign policy challenges, particularly the balancing act between Washington and Beijing. “We will not sacrifice one friend for the other,” Munir told Warraich, stressing that Islamabad intended to maintain equilibrium in its relations with both powers. He also referred to US President Donald Trump’s mediation efforts during South Asia’s recent tensions, describing them as “genuine peace efforts”. According to Munir, Pakistan had taken the lead in nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, a move later supported by other countries.

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The Pakistani government had already dismissed social media chatter about Zardari’s possible resignation. Both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi earlier called the reports “baseless and misleading”. Despite this, rumours persisted, especially after Munir’s high-profile back-to-back visits to the United States in recent weeks, where he held talks with senior American officials, at times bypassing the civilian leadership.

With inputs from agencies.