PM Shehbaz lands in Lahore, important meeting expected ahead of Islamabad arrival

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has returned to Pakistan after a four-day foreign visit, landing in Lahore from London where he was warmly received by government officials and administrative authorities at the airport.

The PM began his trip with an official visit to Bahrain, holding high-level meetings and attending the Bahrain Knighthood Award ceremony as a special guest. After completing his official engagements, he traveled to the UK for a private visit.

According to sources, the Prime Minister will stay tonight at his private residence in Lahore, and is expected to head to Islamabad tomorrow.

Informed sources say a crucial meeting is expected before his departure to Islamabad. While details are yet to be disclosed, it is believed to be linked to the political situation and ongoing government policies, and could be significant in shaping key decisions in the coming days.

Earlier, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said that the formal notification for the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), a post created under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, would be issued soon.

His statement came amid widespread speculation over the missed November 29 deadline.

Tarar told reporters that the delay is part of the official process and not a sign of instability. “The prime minister is not in the country. Once he returns, everything would be finalised. It is possible the file work has already been completed, and the Ministry of Defence will proceed after coordination with the Prime Minister’s Office,” he said.