ISLAMABAD – August 6, 2025:
Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has categorically rejected rumours suggesting that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir is set to become the next President of Pakistan.
In an exclusive interview with The Economist, the military spokesperson dismissed the speculation as “completely baseless,” stating that such narratives are founded on false assumptions and misinformation. “There is no truth to these claims,” he said firmly, addressing speculation that gained momentum following the army’s “Battle of Truth” narrative.
Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif also refuted political commentary that linked the COAS to any ambitions for presidential office, asserting that such talk only fuels unnecessary controversy and confusion. “The army remains committed to its constitutional role,” he reiterated.
In a significant shift in tone during the interview, the DG ISPR also addressed rising tensions with India. When asked about Pakistan’s potential response to any future military aggression from its eastern neighbour, he stated, “This time, we will begin from the East of India.” He went on to add that the response would start with a deep strike and that India should understand the risks of any misadventure. “They too can be targeted anywhere,” he warned, signalling a stern posture against perceived threats.
The statements follow earlier remarks made by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who had also denounced similar rumours in July. Speaking via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi labelled the claims about Asim Munir’s political ambitions as “false and harmful to national stability.”
He further alleged that these rumours are part of a coordinated negative campaign, targeting top state leaders including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the army chief. According to the minister, such efforts are being fuelled by “hostile elements and foreign intelligence networks” seeking to sow discord and destabilise the country’s political landscape.
