Shahbaz, PML-N leaders to meet Sharif in London

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will be travelling to London along with a PML-N delegation to meet party supremo Nawaz Sharif.

“PML-N members are going on a private visit to London to meet with Sharif,” she said, adding that Shahbaz would also be travelling for this purpose.

Earlier, media reported that a “big decision” is on the cards as Shahbaz will be meeting his elder brother and PML-N supremo in London.

Senior PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi — who is already in London — confirmed the visit, with sources saying that Shahbaz will likely leave for the visit on Tuesday night.

Abbasi said that Shahbaz and other party leaders had requested Sharif to call a consultative meeting, but did not specify when the recently-elected premier would be reaching the English capital.

Sources said that Sharif had summoned an urgent meeting of the party’s leadership in London.

According to the sources, Sharif has to consult the party leadership over some important issues he has reservations over and the PML-N is expected to make a “big decision,” which is why he rejected the proposal to have an online meeting.

The party sources further reported that during the meeting, a discussion regarding the strategy on the prices of petroleum products will be held with Sharif and former finance minister Ishaq Dar.

The discussion holds special importance as a delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is expected to begin talks with Pakistani officials on May 18 in Doha.

The PML-N leaders would also broach subjects including general elections, Punjab cabinet, and power-sharing.

PML-N leaders who are likely to meet Nawaz Sharif include Ahsan Iqbal, Marriyum Aurangzeb,

Saad Rafique and Khurram Dastagir.

Also on Tuesday, Shahbaz appointed Awn Chaudhry, a key member of the Jahangir Tareen group, as his adviser on sports and tourism.

President Arif Alvi approved the appointment of Chaudhry on the advice of Shahbaz. A notification was also issued in this regard. According to the notification, Chaudhry’s porfolio will be equal to that of a federal minister.

It is learnt that newly-elected Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz has also decided to include coalition partner Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jahangir Tareen group in the provincial cabinet.