Shehbaz, Asim enjoy strong ties: sources

ISLAMABAD: Speculation about differences between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir has been firmly rejected by both Pindi and Islamabad, with key figures on both sides insisting that relations between the two remain strong and have, in fact, grown even stronger in recent months.

Rumours regarding an alleged rift between the civilian and military leadership have been circulating in political and media circles over the past few days. The speculation was fueled by remarks made by a government senator known for his close connections in Pindi and Aabpara, some newspaper columns suggesting that “all is not well” and media discussions surrounding what some journalists claimed to have learned from a background briefing on Tuesday by senior security officials.

The reports prompted debate over whether the establishment had become unhappy with the government’s performance. A federal minister, generally regarded as having close ties with the establishment, attempted to dispel such impressions through a social media post, asserting that the government would complete its constitutional term. However, rumours continued to circulate.

The News contacted key individuals on both the sides to verify the claims. No direct or indirect indication was found from either side to support suggestions of differences between the prime minister and Field Marshal.

Sources in Rawalpindi advised this correspondent to ignore the senator’s remarks and dismissed the reports as baseless. They maintained that relations between the two sides remain as cordial and coordinated as ever.

“The relationship is perfect, just as it was before,” a source said, adding that evidence of the close coordination between the civilian and military leadership would soon be visible again when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir travel to Geneva to host the signing ceremony of the peace agreement between the United States and Iran.

Senior figures in the civilian setup in Islamabad also categorically rejected the reports. They insisted there was no truth whatsoever in the speculation about differences between the prime minister and army chief.

According to these sources, the bond between Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir has rather strengthened further in recent months due to their close cooperation on key national, regional and international issues. “There is no substance in these reports,” a senior government source said. “The relationship between the two leaders is stronger than ever before.”