'Working relationship between PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal 'perfect': report

The working relationship and mutual respect between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir has been termed "perfect", according to a newspaper report.

Citing "relevant sources", the report dismissed the speculations that a search is underway for a so-called “wonder boy” to replace Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It said that one of these sources holding a key position described as "perfect” the working relationship and mutual respect between the prime minister and the CDF.

The same source also rejected claims circulating about a “grand plan” that supposedly requires a new face in leadership, the report said, adding that there is no truth to the idea that Shehbaz Sharif is being considered replaceable under any such narrative.

These discussions intensified after a recent column by senior journalist and analyst Suhail Warraich, who argued that while Shehbaz Sharif could be described as “gold,” the present situation calls for a “diamond” figure who could address long-standing governance challenges.

Warraich also wrote that even if such ideas are not acted upon, expressing them should not be restricted. He further suggested that some circles desire a federal cabinet similar to Bangladesh’s, made up of highly qualified individuals with PhD degrees from leading international institutions.