Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir has dismissed speculation about a change in the country’s leadership, calling the rumours baseless and harmful to both the government and the military.
In a conversation with senior journalist Sohail Waraich in Brussels, the army chief said, “God made me this country’s guardian,” stressing that he harbours no ambition for any other office. He reiterated that true political reconciliation can only be achieved if all stakeholders offer sincere apologies.
Speculation began in July suggesting that President Asif Ali Zardari might be asked to resign, paving the way for the COAS to assume the presidency. However, both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly rejected the reports.
“Field Marshal Asim Munir has never expressed a wish to become president, nor is there any such move under consideration,” PM Shehbaz clarified, while Naqvi denounced the rumours as a “malicious campaign” against the president, the prime minister, and the army chief.
During his exchange with Waraich, the COAS also underlined Pakistan’s experience in maintaining balanced ties with both China and the United States, noting: “We will not sacrifice one friend for the sake of another.”
Bilateral relations with Washington have seen an upswing since US President Donald Trump assumed office. Recently, Trump hosted Field Marshal Munir for lunch at the White House — a gesture that unsettled India and hinted at a notable diplomatic shift.
Speaking on global affairs, the army chief remarked that President Trump’s commitment to peace is genuine, which is why Pakistan was the first country to back his Nobel Peace Prize nomination. He added that other nations have since followed Pakistan’s lead.
On regional matters, Munir warned India against destabilising Pakistan through proxy networks. He praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his relentless efforts — including working 18-hour days during wartime — and commended the government and cabinet for their resilience in testing times.
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He also accused India of intensifying its proxy war against Pakistan after its defeat in “Marka-e-Haq”, the prolonged conflict between the two nuclear-armed states. He said India is furthering its agenda through “Fitna-al-Khawarij” and “Fitna-al-Hindustan.”
Turning to Afghanistan, the COAS urged Kabul to end policies that push Taliban fighters across the border into Pakistan, reaffirming that the protection of every Pakistani life is the state’s foremost duty.
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At the Brussels event, overseas Pakistanis greeted Field Marshal Munir as a victorious war hero. Despite warnings that such a large gathering could create logistical challenges, he spent hours meeting expatriates who had travelled long distances to see him, saying their passion and commitment could not be overlooked.