Pakistan’s former PM Nawaz Sharif embarks on a private visit to China

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif left for China on a five-day low-profile private visit. The ruling party, however, has not divulged any details about the nature of his trip.

According to the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), its supreme leader left for China by a Chinese Southern Airlines flight on a private visit along with his grandson, Junaid Safdar, and personal staff from the Lahore airport. The party did not disclose Sharif's plans during his five-day stay in China.

The local media reports suggest that Sharif will undergo a medical check-up in China and hold meetings with some Chinese companies regarding development projects in Punjab, where his daughter Maryam Nawaz is the chief minister. Reportedly, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is also accompanying him. There are also speculations in the PML-N circles that Sharif might be on a "special assignment" in China.

Sharif has never visited China in the past for medical reasons. In 2019, he went to the United Kingdom on medical grounds and stayed there in self-exile, before his return in 2023 after the fall of Imran Khan's government. 

Nawaz Sharif’s younger brother Shehbaz Sharif is currently leading a six-party coalition at the Centre. The PML-N supremo has been keeping a low profile since February election.