PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif embarked on a discreet five-day journey to China on Monday, keeping the details of his visit under wraps as the ruling party declined to disclose its purpose.
Both PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar remained tight-lipped regarding Nawaz Sharif’s “unannounced trip” to Beijing.
“I have no information about Nawaz Sharif’s China visit,” stated Mr. Tarar when approached by Dawn. However, a PML-N official confirmed to Dawn that Nawaz Sharif had indeed departed for China on a “private visit.”
Media reports suggested that the visit was of a ‘personal nature’, during which Nawaz Sharif would undergo a “medical check-up” and meet with some Chinese companies to discuss development projects in Punjab, where his daughter Maryam Nawaz holds the position of chief minister. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Maryam’s son Junaid Safdar are accompanying him.
A source close to the Sharif family revealed to Dawn that the purpose of Nawaz Sharif’s visit was not disclosed to the party leadership. “The details of Nawaz Sharif’s trip to China have been kept confidential from the party and the PML-N government. Perhaps only a few close associates of Nawaz Sharif are aware of the exact nature of his visit,” the source stated.
Speculation is rife within party circles about whether Nawaz Sharif has a ‘special assignment’ in China, which perhaps could not be executed by his younger brother, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Notably, Nawaz Sharif has previously opted for medical treatment in London, rather than visiting China. His stay in London extended from 2019 to 2023.
On another note, the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has initiated a groundbreaking project named ‘Light without Electricity Bill, Roshan Punjab Programme’ to provide free electricity to the impoverished populace. As part of this initiative, the government will equip 50,000 households in the province with 1kV solar power systems.
During a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, technical aspects of the 1kV solar power systems for domestic consumers were deliberated upon, and it was decided to kick off the pilot project without delay. Eligible consumers in the first phase will include those using up to 100 units of electricity.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the first virtual women police station at the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) on Monday. This pioneering initiative will offer comprehensive support to women throughout the criminal justice process, from filing an FIR to investigation and trial, via various communication channels including calls, live chats, and video calls