ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi on Thursday dismissed reports claiming that the country is shifting to a presidential system and that Field Marshal Asim Munir would replace Asif Ali Zardari as head of state.

“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”, Naqvi posted on X.

He said the president enjoys a strong and respe­ctful relationship with the leadership of the armed forces. “I know who is spreading these falsehoods, why they are doing so, and who stands to benefit from this propaganda.”

The interior minister said the sole focus of the COAS was the strength and stability of Pakistan — 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,” he said. The interior minister’s remarks came at a time when speculations about the upcoming 27th constitutional amendment were growing and it was being claimed that President Zardari may soon step down, potentially paving the way for the army chief to assume the country’s presidency.

Former caretaker chief minister of Punjab Najam Sethi during a talk show also touched upon the issue of 27th amendment and claimed that something is going to happen in the Presidency, the National Assembly and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The reports on social media claim that work is underway to replace the current parliamentary system with a presidential form of government. Some reports also claim that President Zardari has set one condition for his exit — a key role for his son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in the new dispensation.

Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2025