Military Spokesperson Dismisses Speculation about Field Marshal Becoming President as Groundless
Pakistan's Top Military Leader Denies Presidential Ambitions
Field Marshal Asim Munir, the most powerful figure in Pakistan, has officially denied any intentions of pursuing the presidency, according to multiple sources and military spokespersons. The denial comes amidst rumors that have persisted due to Munir's elevated status and Pakistan's historical pattern of military influence over politics.
Munir, who was promoted to the rare five-star Field Marshal rank in May 2025, is recognized for his influence extending beyond the military into civilian affairs. However, official and military sources emphasize a narrative of "mutual respect" among Pakistan’s top power centers, including the elected leadership and the military.
The denial was made by Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the ISPR Director General, who called such speculation "baseless" and “nonsense.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi have also dismissed these rumors, terming them part of a “malicious campaign” aimed at political destabilization.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army, under Munir's command, launched a large-scale retaliatory military action named "Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos," targeting several Indian military targets across multiple regions. The conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations ended on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US, after at least 87 hours of conflict. During the conflict, Pakistan downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, and dozens of drones.
In a separate development, Pakistan has acknowledged Donald Trump's efforts in defusing tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi last month and has formally recommended him for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. However, India has disputed Trump's claims that it resulted from his intervention and threats to sever trade talks.
The prime minister has also assured that there was no truth to the reports circulating in certain sections of the media, terming them as "mere speculation." Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has identified the source of the malicious campaign targeting President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The recent conflict between Pakistan and India was initiated following an attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which New Delhi blamed on Islamabad. The prime minister has stated that Field Marshal Asim Munir has never expressed any desire to become the president, and there is no such plan in the offing.
In a positive move towards diplomatic and military cooperation, Munir has been engaged in strengthening ties with the US military, demonstrated by his repeated official visits to the United States and meetings with high-level officials. This further underscores his professional military role.
In conclusion, despite speculation fueled by his powerful position and recent promotion, Field Marshal Asim Munir has officially and consistently denied any intentions or plans to pursue the presidency in Pakistan.
- The denial made by Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the ISPR Director General, did not only debunk rumors of Field Marshal Asim Munir's presidential ambitions, but also dismissed them as baseless and nonsensical.
- Although Field Marshal Asim Munir is recognized for his influence stretching beyond the military into civilian affairs, his recent engagement in strengthening ties with the US military underscores his professional military role, indicating his focus remains on national security matters, rather than politics or becoming the president.
