Pakistan Army Spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif denies political ambitions of COAS Asim Munir while issuing stern warning to India amid escalating regional tensions.
In a firm rebuttal to political rumors and foreign provocations, Pakistan Army Spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has rejected claims suggesting Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir plans to take over as the country’s president. The Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) called the speculation “completely baseless” during an interview with The Economist.
“These claims are irresponsible and purely fictional,” Lt Gen Sharif stated. “There is no desire, no plan, and no proposal under consideration for Field Marshal Asim Munir to assume the presidency.” He warned that dragging the military into political speculation is not only misleading but poses serious dangers to national stability.
This clarification echoes earlier denials from top civilian leaders including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Naqvi had also referred to the rumors as part of a “nefarious campaign” targeting key figures like President Asif Ali Zardari.
On the external front, the ISPR spokesperson had a clear message for India: “This time, we will start from the east.” He emphasized that Pakistan would no longer stay reactive and could adopt preemptive measures if provoked. “India must understand: they are not untouchable,” he warned.
Tensions between the two nuclear neighbors flared dramatically after the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam incident, which India blamed on Pakistan without presenting evidence. In the aftermath, India unilaterally suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and implemented a series of hostile diplomatic and economic measures, all of which were met with reciprocal actions by Pakistan.
The conflict reached a critical point in February when India launched missile attacks on multiple Pakistani cities, resulting in civilian casualties. Pakistan retaliated with Operation Banyan Marsus (Iron Wall), striking Indian military targets deep within Indian territory. The offensive included the targeting of key installations like the BrahMos missile depot and S-400 defense systems.
Although a ceasefire was eventually brokered by the Trump administration, India has refused to acknowledge the U.S. role. President Trump, however, has repeatedly cited the mediation as one of his administration’s key foreign policy victories.