Pakistan President Zardari being asked to resign 'malicious rumour', says minister

Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday dismissed rumours that President Asif Ali Zardari had been asked to resign, calling it a “malicious campaign.”

Taking to X, Naqvi wrote, “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."

“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,” he added.

“The president of Pakistan enjoys a strong and respectful relationship with the leadership of the armed forces,” the minister said.

He quoted President Zardari as having “clearly” said, “I know who is spreading these falsehoods, why they’re doing it, and who stands to gain from this propaganda.”

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Naqvi emphasised that Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir’s “sole focus” is on Pakistan’s strength and stability — “nothing else.”

“To those involved in this narrative, do whatever you wish in collaboration with hostile foreign agencies. As for us, we will do whatever is necessary to make Pakistan strong again, InshAllah,” Naqvi added.

Earlier today, PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui also denied reports of Zardari’s resignation.

“Reports that Zardari is resigning, Imran’s sons are coming, Nawaz Sharif is going to Adiala … these are not news. They are bogus, table stories,” Geo News quoted Siddiqui as saying.

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He added, “Zardari has not created any difficulties for the government, and understands his constitutional responsibilities as head of state”.

The PML-N leader said his party had “no trouble” working with the president, who leads the PPP, and there was no credible reason to remove him from office.

“We have a coalition with the PPP. Why would we bring down this system?” he asked.

With inputs from agencies