Former Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif embarks on 'private visit' to China

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Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif departed for China Monday evening for a five-day “private visit,” maintaining a low-profile approach to the trip.

Accompanied by his grandson Junaid Safdar and personal staff, Sharif boarded a Chinese Southern Airlines flight from Lahore airport, as disclosed by the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), of which he is the supreme leader.

However, specific details of Sharif’s agenda during his stay in China were not disclosed by the party.

Reports from local media suggest that Sharif intends to undergo a medical examination in China and engage in meetings with Chinese companies concerning development projects in Punjab, where his daughter Maryam Nawaz serves as chief minister. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is also said to be accompanying him.

Speculation within PML-N circles hints at the possibility of Sharif being on a “special assignment” during his time in China.

Sharif never visited China in the past for medical reasons. He went to the United Kingdom on medical grounds in 2019 and stayed there in self-exile, before his return in 2023 after the fall of Imran Khan’s government. His younger brother Shehbaz Sharif is leading a six-party coalition at the Centre.

After his dream of becoming prime minister for a fourth time shattered in the February election, Nawaz Sharif has been keeping a low profile.

With inputs from PTI