PML-N parliamentary leader in the Senate, Irfan Siddiqui, on Monday strongly dismissed rumours about a change in the country’s presidency, affirming that no such proposal is under consideration at any level of the government.
In a statement, Siddiqui praised President Asif Ali Zardari’s performance, stating that he is fulfilling his role as the constitutional head of the state with responsibility and diligence.
“President Zardari is doing a very good job as the constitutional head of the state,” Siddiqui said. “There is no move, discussion, or proposal to replace him.”
Rejects Nawaz-Adiala meeting speculations
Senator Siddiqui also addressed recent media speculation about PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif allegedly planning to visit Adiala Jail to meet with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
“The talk of Nawaz Sharif going to Adiala Jail and meeting the PTI founder is completely wrong and baseless,” Siddiqui said, dismissing it as unfounded gossip.
He criticised certain sections of the media for what he described as a “famine of topics,” alleging that the media was turning to sensationalism instead of responsible journalism.
“After the PTI and its founder having been relegated to the background, the media has run out of stories, which is why it is now selling gossip,” he remarked.
Reaffirms coalition with PPP
On the state of relations between the PML-N and its coalition partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Siddiqui clarified that both parties remain aligned in supporting the government, even if they differ on certain issues.
“The People’s Party is with us. Supporting the government does not mean agreeing with everything,” he said, emphasizing that policy disagreements do not undermine coalition unity.
He also clarified that there was no proposal under consideration for Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to rejoin the PML-N.
General elections on schedule
Addressing concerns about the future of the current parliamentary setup, Senator Siddiqui assured the House that general elections will be held as per schedule after the government completes its constitutional term.
“The general elections will take place after the constitutional term ends,” he stated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to democratic continuity.
Recently, to a journalist’s question about the possible removal of President Asif Ali Zardari and an alleged plan to install the army chief as president through a constitutional amendment, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had dismissed the speculation and urged the public “not to pay attention to social media rumours”.
“This is the first time in Pakistan’s history that the politicians, the government, and the military establishment are united,” the minister asserted, adding that certain elements are “troubled” by this unity. “Let’s avoid politics for two days.”
