Nawaz met with London High Commissioner: FO

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office confirmed today that Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr Muhammad Faisal met with Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif in London last week.

This meeting occurred ahead of former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s anticipated arrival in London. The timing of the meeting raised questions, occurring just before the PML-N announced Nawaz Sharif’s planned return to Pakistan in mid-September.

A video also surfaced showing HC Faisal leaving the office of Hassan Nawaz, Nawaz Sharif’s son, in Central London. A source from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the meeting was a courtesy call on Nawaz Sharif, a three-time former prime minister.

Shehbaz Sharif meets Nawaz Sharif in London

FO sources explained that such meetings are routine courtesies for former prime ministers. Another government source acknowledged the complexity of the situation, considering Nawaz Sharif’s legal status as a convicted individual and his absence from Pakistan.

The Sharif family indicated that Nawaz Sharif would return to Pakistan “after a month” from London. This suggests a mid-September return. While some advised him to return immediately after his two-month Europe and Middle East visit, others within the PML-N recommended a mid-September arrival.

Australian High Commission delegation inspects facilities at Skardu airport

A source involved in the arrangements reportedly stated that Nawaz’s decision to return after almost four years of exile is final and well-prepared.