ISLAMABAD:
Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Parliamentary Party Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the Senate and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, categorically rejected any change in the President’s office, calling reports on the matter baseless.
“There is no proposal under consideration at any level to replace President Asif Zardari. He is performing excellently in his role as the constitutional head of state,” he stated.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also dismissed rumours about the possible removal of President Asif Ali Zardari, stating that some people are uncomfortable because politicians, the government and the military stand united.
“For the first time, politicians, the government and the military establishment are on the same page, and that bothers certain individuals. These people are spreading such stories,” Naqvi, who does not belong to any of the ruling parties but is regarded close to Zardari, said on Saturday.
Speaking to a private news channel, Siddiqui mentioned that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stands with PML-N. He appreciated PPP’s positive role in supporting the government, however, he clarified that supporting the government does not mean agreeing on everything.
Read More: Naqvi dispels Zardari removal rumours
He also highlighted Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s commendable role in diplomacy, noting that he has played a highly positive role in representing Pakistan’s interests on the international stage.
Moreover, in response to rumours about a supposed meeting between PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, Siddiqui called the claim completely false and baseless.
“The problem is that, following the conclusion of recent wars and the decline of Tehreek-e-Insaf and Imran Khan’s influence, the media is struggling to find new topics and has resorted to sensationalism,” he remarked.
On another issue, the senator said that the path Imran Khan has chosen is one of isolation. He noted the division within PTI, which he sees as the biggest challenge for him. He suggested that it would be better for Khan to first negotiate within his own party.
Also Read: Deputy PM dismisses reports of Nawaz-Imran meeting as rumours
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had also denied reports of a meeting between PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and PTI founder Imran Khan, calling them baseless and part of a “sponsored narrative” aimed at creating political confusion.
“These are baseless speculations—it could be someone’s wish list. We don’t need to approach anyone,” he said.
Senator Siddiqui added that whether Nawaz Sharif holds a public or party office, he remains the most influential figure in Pakistan, and his opinion is considered in all major decisions.
In response to a question about whether the general elections will be held on time, he stated that elections will take place once the constitutional term has been completed.
Regarding the meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar, he clarified that there is no proposal under consideration for Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to rejoin PML-N. “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited him only to inquire about his health, and nothing beyond that took place,” he confirmed.
