ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed their resolve to work together for the country’s stability, development, and prosperity during a high-level meeting held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
According to an official statement issued by the Presidency, the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on the prevailing political, economic, and security landscape. They also reviewed the country’s law and order situation and measures to counter terrorism.
The prime minister briefed the president on the government’s ongoing efforts to revive and strengthen the economy. Both leaders agreed on the need for close coordination to steer the country through its current challenges.
The meeting was also attended by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Adviser to the PM on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah.
The meeting comes amid intensifying speculation surrounding the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment and unverified reports suggesting President Zardari may resign to make way for a shift from a parliamentary to a presidential system of governance. Some social media claims have alleged that Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir could potentially assume the presidency, while others speculate that Zardari’s resignation may hinge on a significant role for his son, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, in any new political setup.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has repeatedly dismissed these rumors. Earlier this month, and again last week, Naqvi categorically denied reports that President Zardari would be removed or that the country was transitioning to a presidential form of government.
“We are fully aware of who is behind the malicious campaign targeting President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the Chief of Army Staff,” Naqvi stated in a post on X. “There has been no discussion — nor does any such idea exist — about the president being asked to resign or the COAS seeking to assume the presidency.”
Naqvi emphasized that President Zardari maintains a strong and respectful relationship with the military leadership. “I know who is spreading these falsehoods, their motives, and who stands to gain from this propaganda,” he added.
Despite the political noise, Tuesday’s meeting signaled a unified front from the country’s top civilian leadership, reaffirming their shared commitment to national stability and cooperation.
