PML-N Rejects Nawaz Sharif Presidency Rumors

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The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has firmly rejected speculation that party leader and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is seeking the presidency, calling the reports “baseless table stories.” The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has also dismissed rumours of President Asif Ali Zardari’s removal, reaffirming political stability within Pakistan’s coalition government.

On July 31, 2025, PML-N Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui stated on Geo News’ Geo Pakistan that Nawaz Sharif “has no desire” to assume the presidency and that there have been no such discussions within party leadership. The statement followed persistent claims circulating in mainstream media suggesting divisions within the coalition formed after the February 2024 general elections, which produced a hung parliament.

PPP officials also rejected similar reports concerning President Zardari’s future. Speaking to Dawn, Siddiqui said, “Zardari understands his constitutional responsibilities as head of state, and we have no trouble working with him.” He further questioned the motive behind spreading such rumours, asking, “Why would we bring down this system?”

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi echoed the rebuttals, describing the reports as part of a “malicious campaign” aimed at President Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the military leadership. Coalition partners currently hold a parliamentary majority, with 75 PML-N and 54 PPP seats in the National Assembly, according to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Analysts warn that persistent political rumours risk damaging investor confidence in Pakistan, where economic recovery remains fragile. The coalition’s unified response is intended to project stability and counter disinformation. Siddiqui added that earlier decisions regarding Zardari’s presidency were made out of necessity, not personal ambition, as he reiterated on Dawn News’ Dusra Rukh programme.

As Pakistan grapples with economic challenges and opposition pressure from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the ruling coalition has signalled its intent to maintain cohesion and focus on governance.