Field Marshal Asim Munir rejects leadership change rumours

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has dismissed speculation regarding a possible change in the country’s leadership, terming such reports “baseless” and “contrary to the positions of both the government and the military establishment.”

In an interaction with senior journalist Sohail Waraich in Brussels, the army chief said he had no personal political ambitions, stressing: “God made me this country’s guardian.” He added that he had never sought any position outside his current office.

Rumours circulating last month suggested that President Asif Ali Zardari might be asked to step down, with speculation that the COAS could assume the presidency. Both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi rejected such claims, describing them as “malicious campaigns.”

Field Marshal Munir said reconciliation in Pakistan’s political landscape could only be achieved through “genuine apologies” from all sides. He also praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his commitment during recent crises, noting that the premier had worked “18-hour days” during the conflict with India.

The army chief further addressed foreign policy, underlining that Pakistan would continue to maintain balanced relations with both the United States and China. “We will not sacrifice one friend for the sake of another,” he said.

He noted that ties with Washington had improved since US President Donald Trump assumed office, citing his recent invitation to lunch at the White House as a sign of warming relations. Munir added that Pakistan had been the first country to endorse Trump’s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, a move he said was now gaining wider international support.

On regional security, he warned India against attempts to destabilise Pakistan through proxies, particularly after what he described as India’s defeat in the “Marka-e-Haq” conflict. He also urged the Afghan government to stop policies that, in his view, were pushing militants across the border into Pakistan.