Nawaz not planning to visit KSA, London: sources

ISLAMABAD: In a departure from his tradition, Pakistan Muslim League (PMLN) Quaid Nawaz Sharif may not proceed to perform Umrah during the last 10 days of Ramazan. He is also not scheduled to go to London anytime soon as his physicians are satisfied with his health.

Well-placed sources close to the PMLN leader told The News on Tuesday from Lahore that Nawaz Sharif has visited the KSA twice in one year. The rumours about his sojourn to Saudi Arabia and London have no credence. “He is a Pakistani who terminated his exile last year to live in his motherland,” the sources said.

Nawaz Sharif would return to Islamabad on Sunday, a day before the commencement of the National Assembly’s second session. He will exercise his vote during the Senate election on April 2. Muhammad Ishaq Dar is also contesting for a Senate slot from Islamabad.

Meanwhile, authorities have indicated that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif intends to visit Saudi Arabia in the first or second week of April for three days. The schedule is being worked out by Islamabad and Riyadh through diplomatic channels.

The diplomatic communication indicates that the prime minister will have high-echelon meetings during his visit besides performing Umrah and offering Salaam at Roza-e-Rasul (Peace be upon Him).

The prime minister will hold a meeting with Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman and revive the invitation to MBS to visit Pakistan.

It is not certain if Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif will accompany the prime minister.