Why is Nawaz Sharif visiting China? Speculations rife as PML-N supremo embarks on secretive visit

Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif has embarked on a secretive five-day visit to China, the agenda of which no one knows for sure. However, speculations are aplenty.

Till last year, the 74-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo was in a four-year self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom. Following his return to Pakistan, this will be Nawaz's first foreign tour. He will be accompanied by Maryam Nawaz's son, his grandson, Junaid Safdar and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

But, what is the reason behind the almost one-week trip? These are the speculative agendas.

'Personal visit'

As per a report by Pakistani channel Geo News on Monday (Apr 22), it is a "personal visit" for medical reasons.

While the exact reason is not mentioned anywhere, Dawn newspaper reports that Nawaz Sharif has never visited China for medical reasons, instead he prefers to travel to London, where he has already undergone multiple procedures.

In November 2019, the elder Sharif was granted permission to travel overseas for medical reasons by a high court. This was done after medical reports from his doctors indicated that he required immediate attention.

'Special assignment'

Another speculation, as per Dawn, is that Nawaz Sharif's visit to China is over a 'special assignment,' the details of which were not discussed even with the PML-N leadership.

"The programme of [Nawaz] Sharif’s visit to China has been kept secret from the party and the PML-N government. Perhaps some very close associates of the elder Sharif would know the exact nature of his visit," reported the publication, citing a source close to the Sharif family.

Dawn's source said the 'special assignment' could not be carried out by Nawaz's younger brother, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Pakistan-China deal?

Some publications are speculating that the PML supremo remains active in political affairs at both domestic and international levels.

Sharif is reportedly scheduled to meet various business leaders and heads of Chinese companies.

Watch |Former Pak PM Nawaz Sharif on a 5-day China visit

As per Dunya News, this indicates that the Pakistan ruling party is relying on the goodwill Nawaz enjoys in China to attract foreign investment and maintain cordial relations between the two friendly states.

Interestingly, it was Nawaz Sharif, who helped the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) materialise. The report further speculates, "Given the economic crisis Pakistan has been facing, the coalition government led by PML-N wants to revive CPEC to generate much-needed economic activity in the country."

(With inputs from agencies)