ISPR chief Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry refutes presidential rumors; calls for focus on national stability amid rising Indo-Pak tensions
In a strong and unambiguous statement, the Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has categorically denied widespread rumors suggesting that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, is in line to become the next President of the country. In an interview with the prestigious British publication The Economist, the DG ISPR referred to such reports as “false, baseless, and politically motivated,” urging the public and media to refrain from spreading misinformation.
Clarification from ISPR: No Presidential Ambitions of Field Marshal Asim Munir
Lt. Gen. Chaudhry emphasized that the Pakistani military remains committed to constitutional boundaries and democratic processes. “The talks about Field Marshal Asim Munir becoming president are completely baseless,” he told The Economist, firmly rejecting ongoing political speculation.
These rumors had been gaining traction on social media and in certain political circles, despite repeated denials from government and military sources. Analysts believe such narratives are often used to stir political controversy or to paint the military leadership as politically ambitious.
Government Officials Echo Denial of Speculations
Supporting the DG ISPR’s remarks, several key government figures have also stepped forward to discredit the rumor mill.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Statement
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was among the first to address the issue, categorically stating that Field Marshal Asim Munir has neither expressed any interest in assuming the presidency nor has any such proposal been discussed within government corridors. “There is no consideration, discussion, or proposal of such nature,” the premier clarified during a press conference last month.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui’s Reaffirmation
PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui, a close aide to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, further refuted the claims. He clarified that Nawaz Sharif has shown an interest in becoming president himself and no conversation has taken place regarding Field Marshal Asim Munir’s nomination for the role. “These are baseless speculations meant to derail political discourse,” Siddiqui asserted.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Condemns Malicious Campaigns
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also weighed in, expressing concern over coordinated misinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing the government. In a strongly-worded post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi stated:
“We are fully aware of who is behind the nefarious campaign targeting President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the Chief of Army Staff. Let it be clear—there is no discussion or proposal regarding the resignation of the President or Field Marshal Asim Munir becoming President.”
Naqvi’s comments point to the broader issue of political disinformation in Pakistan’s volatile media landscape and the need for responsible journalism.
Rising Indo-Pak Tensions: DG ISPR Sends Stern Warning to India
In addition to addressing internal political controversies, the DG ISPR also touched upon Pakistan’s defense posture amid rising military tensions with India.
When asked by The Economist about Pakistan’s response to potential Indian military aggression, Lt. Gen. Chaudhry responded firmly:
“If provoked again, we will respond by targeting deep inside India. India must understand that they too are vulnerable, and they can be hit anywhere.”
This stern message reflects Pakistan’s hardened stance following a series of escalatory incidents in early 2025, further straining already fragile bilateral ties.
Context: The Pahalgam Incident and Its Fallout
The roots of the recent conflict can be traced back to the Pahalgam incident on April 22, 2025, in which several Indian soldiers were killed in a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. India immediately blamed Pakistan for orchestrating the attack—a charge Pakistan vehemently denied.
Nevertheless, the diplomatic and military consequences escalated rapidly. India undertook several hostile steps, including:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a long-standing agreement that governs water sharing between the two countries.
- Curtailment of diplomatic staff, drastically reducing Pakistan’s diplomatic presence in New Delhi.
- Cancellation of visas for all Pakistanis, including patients traveling for medical treatment.
Pakistan responded in kind by:
- Declaring the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as a declaration of war.
- Restricting Indian diplomatic presence in Islamabad.
- Canceling all Indian visas, except for Sikh pilgrims.
- Halting all bilateral trade and closing airspace for Indian commercial and military flights.
These tit-for-tat measures rapidly deteriorated the geopolitical climate in the region.
Military Escalation: Missile Attacks and Operation “Banyan Marsus”
The situation turned from diplomatic hostility to open military conflict in February 2025, when India launched a series of missile strikes on February 6-7, targeting six Pakistani cities including:
- Kotli
- Bahawalpur
- Muridke
- Bagh
- Muzaffarabad
These unprovoked attacks killed 26 civilians and injured 46 others.
In response, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) launched counter-defensive operations and shot down five Indian warplanes, including three advanced Rafale fighter jets. The prompt response underscored Pakistan’s defense readiness and its resolve to protect its sovereignty.
A second wave of Indian aggression followed on February 10, with missile and drone attacks targeting three Pakistani airbases. In retaliation, Pakistan executed Operation “Banyan Marsus” (Iron Wall)—a massive, calculated strike on Indian military infrastructure.
Key Indian Targets Destroyed
As part of Operation Banyan Marsus, Pakistan successfully targeted:
- Udhampur Airbase
- Pathankot Airbase
- Adampur Airbase
- Multiple Indian airfields
- BrahMos cruise missile storage sites
- S-400 missile defense system locations
This operation served as a critical reminder that Pakistan retains the capability to strike back with precision, even in the face of overwhelming military challenges.
U.S. Mediation Brings Temporary Ceasefire—But Modi Government Denies U.S. Role
As the conflict threatened to spiral into a full-scale war, the United States, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, stepped in to de-escalate tensions. Through backdoor diplomacy and high-level talks, Washington facilitated a ceasefire agreement between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
However, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has refused to publicly acknowledge the U.S. mediation efforts. On the other hand, President Trump has repeatedly credited his administration with “preventing World War III in South Asia,” referencing the ceasefire at least 30 times in public statements.
Conclusion: National Unity and Responsible Journalism Needed
In these uncertain times—marked by political manipulation and international tension—the need for unity, responsible journalism, and national stability in Pakistan has never been more urgent. The baseless rumors about Field Marshal Asim Munir’s alleged political ambitions are not only misleading but also dangerous, as they risk undermining the credibility of national institutions.
At the same time, the escalating hostilities with India must be viewed with utmost seriousness. Pakistan’s clear military response and international diplomacy have once again showcased the country’s commitment to peace—but not at the cost of its sovereignty.
As the region stands at a crossroads, Pakistan’s civil-military leadership continues to navigate internal and external pressures with a steady hand. And as the DG ISPR has clearly reiterated, the military remains loyal to its constitutional mandate—not to political office.
