Islamabad:
Senator Irfan Siddiqui, leader of the Parliamentary Party of the Pakistan-Nawaz Muslim League (PML-N) in the Senate and president of the Foreign Foreign Affairs Committee, categorically rejected any change in the president’s office, calling reports on the matter without foundation.
“There is no proposal on consideration at any level to replace President Asif Zardari. He is acting excellently in his role as a constitutional head of state,” he said.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also dismissed rumors about the possible elimination of President Asif Ali Zardari, stating that some people feel uncomfortable because politicians, the government and the military are united.
“For the first time, politicians, government and military establishment are on the same page, and that bothers certain people. These people are spreading such stories,” Naqvi said on Saturday, which does not belong to any of the ruling parties, but is considered close to Zardari, on Saturday.
Speaking to a private news channel, Siddiqui mentioned that the Pakistan (PPP) peoples party is with PML-N. He appreciated the positive role of PPP in the support of the government, however, he clarified that supporting the government does not mean agreeing on everything.
Read more: Naqvi dissipates the elimination rumors of Zardari
He also highlighted Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s commendable role in diplomacy, noting that he has played a very positive role in representing Pakistan’s interests on the international stage.
In addition, in response to rumors about an alleged meeting between the president of PML-N, Nawaz Sharif, and the founder of PTI Imran Khan in the Adiala prison, Siddiqui described the completely false and foundation claim.
“The problem is that, after the conclusion of recent wars and the decline of the influence of Tehreek-E-Insaf and Imran Khan, the media are struggling to find new themes and has resorted to sensationalism,” he said.
On another issue, the senator said that the path that Imran Khan has chosen is isolation. He observed the division within PTI, who sees how the biggest challenge for him. He suggested that it would be better for Khan to negotiate first within his own game.
Also read: The prime minister dismisses the reports of the Nawaz-Imran meeting as rumors
The viceprimer Minister Ishaq Dar had also denied the reports of a meeting between the leader of PML-N, Nawaz Sharif, and the founder of PTI Imran Khan, calling them without foundation and part of a “sponsored narrative” aimed at creating political confusion.
“These are speculation without foundation: it could be someone’s wish list. We don’t need to approach anyone,” he said.
Senator Siddiqui added that if Nawaz Sharif has a public or party office, he remains the most influential figure in Pakistan, and his opinion is considered in all the main decisions.
In response to a question about whether the general elections will be held in time, he declared that the 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 join PML-N. “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited him just to ask about his health, and nothing beyond that took place,” he confirmed.
