ISLAMABAD: Amid recent speculation about a possible change in the federal government, credible and well-placed sources have dismissed such rumours, asserting that relations between Islamabad and Rawalpindi remain “very good,” with the military establishment continues to show full confidence in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership.
Recently, social media and political circles have been abuzz with unverified claims about behind-the-scenes manoeuvring, including whispers about a federal minister being elevated as a potential replacement for Shehbaz Sharif.
However, a senior official, when contacted, firmly denied any such possibility, stating, “Things are very good between Pindi and Islamabad, just as they were before.”
Sources within the government and security establishment confirmed that the current setup enjoys complete backing, and there is no immediate move to alter the political arrangement. “The gossip about the minister becoming prime minister is baseless,” a well-placed insider said. “The military leadership has expressed full trust in PM Shehbaz, and there is no appetite for disruption at this stage.”
Political analysts suggest that such rumours often gain traction due to Pakistan’s history of civil-military tensions and behind-the-scenes political engineering. However, the firm denial from officials indicates that the status quo will likely hold.
With the government as well as the establishment focused on economic stabilisation and security challenges, any major political shift appears unlikely -- at least in the foreseeable future.
In an earlier story, The News had reported The Shehbaz-Munir equation is a two-way affair. Under the leadership of General Asim Munir, the military establishment has found a partner in Shehbaz Sharif, whom not only the institution trusts but actively supports.
Described by a senior source as “the best”, Shehbaz Sharif has earned the military’s confidence through a mix of performance, sheer hard work, administrative discipline, cautious diplomacy, and a deep understanding of Pakistan’s power dynamics.
Behind the closed doors, there is little ambiguity as the military views Shehbaz as the “best possible choice” for Pakistan’s chief executive in a time of political fragmentation and economic uncertainty.
This trust is not one-sided. Shehbaz Sharif has gone out of his way -- both publicly and privately -- to express admiration for the army chief’s professionalism, discipline, and national vision. On more than one occasion, the prime minister has credited the military’s “unwavering support” to the government in meeting the challenges facing the nation.
