Speculation Surrounds Nawaz Sharif’s Trip to China Amid Iranian President’s Visit to Pakistan

Nawaz Sharif’s unexpected journey to China, just before the visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan, has stirred speculation within his own party, prompting conflicting explanations for the trip.

The former Prime Minister, viewed as a seasoned leader capable of addressing Pakistan’s challenges, embarked on what was described as a five-day visit to China, coinciding with the impending arrival of the Iranian president in Lahore.

While the timing of the two trips may not seem conflicting, given the political dynamics of Pakistan, a potential meeting between Nawaz Sharif and the Iranian president would not have been out of the ordinary. However, the purpose of Nawaz Sharif’s journey to China remains unclear.

Initially, reports of the trip were denied by the federal minister for information, but later, the party cited a scheduled meeting and a medical examination as reasons for the visit.

PML-N leader Muhammad Mehdi reiterated these explanations, emphasizing that any engagements in China would be at Nawaz Sharif’s discretion.

Interestingly, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari dismissed both the medical checkup and meeting justifications, claiming that Nawaz Sharif traveled to China to attend an exhibition. She highlighted Nawaz Sharif’s past interest in exhibitions and questioned why he shouldn’t attend one now that he has free time.

Bukhari expressed surprise at the media’s speculation regarding Nawaz Sharif’s private trip, particularly considering his lack of official duties. Regarding a potential meeting with the Iranian president, she stated that it was not scheduled and emphasized that Nawaz Sharif is not at everyone’s beck and call; any requests for a meeting would need to be conveyed through intermediaries.

Addressing the sudden change in secretary information and DG DGPR on the day of such an important trip, Azma Bukhari clarified that government decisions regarding appointments are based on merit. She explained that the decision to appoint new officers was made a day prior and officially announced on Tuesday.

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