Is Pakistan on the Verge of Major Political Change? Back-to-Back Meetings Spark Fresh Turmoil
Fresh speculation of political upheaval is once again gripping Pakistan after two high-profile meetings involving Army Chief General Asim Munir. Reports suggest Munir met both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif within a span of 24 hours—triggering widespread chatter of a possible power reshuffle in the country’s top leadership.
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Speculation Mounts Over Munir as President, Bilawal as PM
According to political analysts and local media, whispers are growing louder that General Asim Munir could be sworn in as the next President of Pakistan. Simultaneously, there is buzz about Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari potentially taking over as the new Prime Minister. Though no official confirmation has surfaced, this marks the third time in July that rumours of such a transition have made headlines.
While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif dismissed these reports as baseless last week, the back-to-back meetings between Munir and both Sharif and Zardari have only fuelled the speculation.
General Munir’s Two High-Stakes Meetings Raise Eyebrows
As reported by The Express Tribune, Field Marshal Asim Munir held a closed-door meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari recently. Shortly afterward, Munir was seen entering the Prime Minister’s residence for a separate meeting with Shehbaz Sharif. The close timing of these meetings has intensified speculation that something significant is brewing behind the scenes.
Photos of both meetings have begun circulating in the press, though no official statements have been released regarding the agenda.
Defence Minister Drops Cryptic Hints About Political Reshuffle
Adding fuel to the fire, Pakistan’s Defence Minister addressed the growing rumors but offered mixed signals. While he officially denied any plans for regime change, he hinted that President Zardari may soon step down. His carefully chosen words left political commentators debating whether a major announcement is imminent.
If Zardari were to resign, and Munir were to step into the role of President, it would mark a significant turn in Pakistan’s civil-military power dynamics. The Constitution would also need to accommodate such a move, prompting whispers of a possible 27th Constitutional Amendment.
PM Shehbaz Sharif: “These Are Just Baseless Rumours”
Earlier this month, on July 11, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directly addressed the swirling rumours. “President Zardari has no intention of resigning,” he said during a press conference. “Nor has Field Marshal Asim Munir ever expressed a desire to become President. These are nothing but unfounded rumours.”
Despite the denial, political insiders remain unconvinced. Observers note that while such rumours surface frequently in Pakistan’s power corridors, the frequency and intensity this time seem different.
Civil-Military Relations in Focus Once Again
Pakistan has a long and complex history of civil-military relations, with the military often seen as the country’s most powerful institution. The potential elevation of a sitting Army Chief to the presidency, if it happens, would reinforce this perception.
Moreover, the idea of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari becoming Prime Minister—especially with the military’s backing—has gained momentum in political circles. While PPP has not made any official comments on the matter, insiders suggest the party is keeping a close watch on how things unfold.
What Happens Next? Uncertainty Grips Islamabad
At this stage, the political environment in Islamabad is charged with uncertainty. The timing of the meetings, the Defense Minister’s ambiguous remarks, and the recurring rumors all point toward something significant being discussed behind closed doors.
Whether or not these rumors materialize into real change remains to be seen. But for now, Pakistan’s political landscape seems to be bracing for what could be a dramatic reshuffle at the highest levels.
Keywords Used:
Pakistan political crisis, Asim Munir president rumours, Bilawal Bhutto Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif response, Zardari resignation news, Pakistan army role in politics, constitutional amendment Pakistan, political turmoil in Pakistan
