The Pakistan Army has rejected rumors about Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir becoming president. Director General of army media wing ISPR, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, in an exclusive interview with The Economist, dismissed the reports of Field Marshal Munir becoming president as false. Lt Gen Chaudhry stated categorically that Field Marshal Munir has never shown interest in ascendency to the presidency.

"No such proposal is under consideration,” he continued “These claims are irresponsible and purely fictional. Dragging the military into politics is dangerous and misleading,” he added. The Pakistan Army’s spokesperson also rejected political analyses made after the recent military operation (referred to as "Ma’rakah-e-Haq" – Battle for Truth). 

When The Economist asked General Chaudhry what Pakistan’s response would be to any Indian military action, he gave a clear and firm reply: “If India attacks, this time we will start from the east. The response will begin with a deep strike inside India.” He said that India needs to understand that they can be targeted anywhere. It may be recalled that Indian rumour machines started circulating news that Field Marshal Munir would soon take over Pakistan as president.

The Indian media frenzy was based on an article in the British magazine The Economist published on August 3, in which Field Marshal Munir’s leadership qualities were acknowledged for “giving a new direction to US-Pakistan relations” and his private meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House on June 18.  Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s leadership has been acknowledged at the global level for his role in improving the country image in the comity of nations and “strengthening ties with the United States.” 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)