The former prime minister and supreme leader of PML-N, Nawaz Sharif, set off for a three-week visit to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Nawaz Sharif is expected to spend Eid with his family and perform Umrah. Meanwhile, his brother, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reached London during the weekend after his Paris visit. It remains uncertain if the elder Sharif’s travel plans accommodate a meeting between the two.
Nawaz Sharif’s son, Hussain Nawaz, disclosed to reporters that his father would be heading to Dubai and might potentially journey to Saudi Arabia for the holy pilgrimage.
Possible Meeting with PM Shehbaz Sharif
There are indications that Nawaz Sharif will accompany his daughter, PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz, and other family members. Rumors suggest he may also meet with the royal family in Abu Dhabi.
Last Eid, Nawaz Sharif also spent time with his family in Saudi Arabia, with Ms. Nawaz and other relatives joining him towards the end of Ramadan and during Eidul Fitr.
The Sharif brothers last rendezvoused in early May this year when the prime minister attended King Charles’ coronation in London. Given the unfolding events since then, including the May 9 protests and subsequent military crackdown against PTI, a meeting between the prime minister and his elder brother, the key decision-maker of the party, is vital to the party’s future strategies.
Read: PM Shehbaz Sharif to Discuss Election Strategy with Nawaz Sharif in London
According to party insiders, the elder Sharif is receptive to dialogues with all political factions, the military, the judiciary, and even PTI Chairman Imran Khan. However, he is reluctant to initiate such dialogues due to fear of potential failure.
It’s said that Mr. Sharif is unsettled by the idea of civilians being tried in military courts, but he believes there was “no other way” to handle Mr. Khan, whom he considers a troublemaker. He also acknowledges that resolving the economic and political crisis will require significant time.
