Siddiqui Denies Nawaz Sharif Eyes Pakistan Presidency

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Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui has dismissed rumors that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif seeks the presidency, calling them baseless and emphasizing coalition stability with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui has firmly rejected speculations that party leader and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is planning to run for president, labeling the claims as “baseless table stories” during an appearance on Dawn News’ program “Dusra Rukh” on July 30, 2025. The rumors, which suggested Sharif aimed to replace President Asif Ali Zardari, have stirred political chatter, but Siddiqui clarified that no such discussions have occurred within the PML-N. He emphasized the strength of the coalition with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), noting that Zardari is effectively fulfilling his constitutional role as head of state, per a Dawn report. Siddiqui questioned the motive behind such rumors, stating, “There’s no reason to destabilize a functioning system,” as reported by The Express Tribune on July 31, 2025.

The speculation, amplified by media outlets, also included unfounded claims of Zardari’s potential resignation and a supposed meeting between Sharif and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail. Siddiqui debunked these as “completely false,” attributing the narratives to media sensationalism amid a lull in major political developments, per The News International. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi echoed this, calling the rumors a “malicious campaign” targeting key state figures, including Sharif, Zardari, and the army chief, in a post on X on July 31, 2025. The coalition, holding 75 PML-N and 54 PPP seats in the National Assembly per the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), remains focused on governance, with Siddiqui asserting that Sharif’s influence persists without needing an official post.

Pakistan’s $350 billion economy depends on political stability, and such rumors risk undermining investor confidence. Siddiqui’s remarks highlight the coalition’s commitment to unity, noting Zardari’s past presidency in 2008-2013 was a pragmatic necessity, not ambition, per Dawn. As the PML-N and PPP navigate economic challenges, including $30 billion in annual remittances per the State Bank of Pakistan, dismissing these rumors reinforces their focus on effective governance over political distractions, ensuring continuity in a fragile economic landscape.