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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif left for London from Lahore's Allama Iqbal Airport on Wednesday for a 'personal and medical visit'. The PM's plane made a brief stop in Moscow for unknown reasons.
Before departing, the PM held a meeting with Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif among other senior aides to discuss the implications of the Panama Papers scandal and the current political situation in the country, according to sources.
"It's just a personal visit and Nawaz Sharif will not hold political meetings during his stay in London," Asif Kirmani, the PM's political secretary said.
His daughter Maryam Nawaz, who is speculated to take the reins of the party in the future, posted a photo of the PM taking the blessings of his mother before he left the country.
"Nawaz will spend one week in London and would also visit his doctors for medical treatment," added Kirmani.
Meanwhile, President Mamnoon Hussain has left for Istanbul on a three-day visit to attend an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation conference.
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On DawnNews
Comments (78) Closed
Apr 13, 2016 03:15pm
Why is he stopping for 8 hours at Moscow Airport? Any body help. Pleeeeeease.
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Apr 13, 2016 03:22pm
The PM is on a personal visit to London to have a non-political meeting with Zardari and get some advice on maneuvering things back home.
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Apr 13, 2016 03:24pm
Pakistanis should get rid of corrupt politicians.
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Apr 13, 2016 03:25pm
@Whatacountry Just to get advice from Putin as He has also Name in Panama Leak.......
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Apr 13, 2016 03:33pm
Have ever heard that Modi went abroad for "treatmen' or on " personal family" visit
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Apr 13, 2016 03:33pm
why we always go to London for damage control... London we have a problem...
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Apr 13, 2016 03:36pm
Justice without prejudice and education without discrimination. Improve these 2 departments even 10% and you'll see 100% improvements in country's affairs.
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Apr 13, 2016 03:39pm
why are Pakistan's problems dealt with in London or Dubai?
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Apr 13, 2016 03:40pm
Nawaz Sharif and family may stay in UK for good. Let them enjoy there. Zardari and family are there too.
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Apr 13, 2016 03:41pm
@Whatacountry Putin, his friends, David Cameron and Nawaz Shareef all involved in the Panama leaks.
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Apr 13, 2016 03:47pm
Can someone please tell me why why we keep seeing same faces in Power, Nawaz, Zardari, Nawaz,,,,and back to Zardari again, ppp are stepping up their campaign against MNA. God help us, these few family seems to think they own Pakistan,
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Apr 13, 2016 03:48pm
why our PM can't trust Pakistani health care system,is Pakistani hospital and health care is for poor and real Pakistanis.our pm do every thing out side of Pakistan but only rule to take money away.
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Apr 13, 2016 03:51pm
'personal and medical visit'. that too at the cost of public money
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Apr 13, 2016 03:53pm
No need to give so much value to Panama leaks, already given much importance. It is important for PTI only because they know their future and it's the only chance for them, because except so called police reform they haven't done anything significant till now in KPK, and the situation would be completely different in KPK in next general elections.
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Apr 13, 2016 03:56pm
If he has to go attend personal matters in lieu of managing the country then he is not fit to be PM and should step down. A country cannot be held hostage while he tries to find ways to save face with AZ. Did you ever hear of Obama or Putin leaving the county for "personal" matters? No they are either impeached or resign.
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Apr 13, 2016 04:00pm
@Proud Pakistani Do you think that this is only PTI issue that is whole world is discussing it including UK. May be Mr. Khan also have little bit influence in UK!
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Apr 13, 2016 04:01pm
Has Pakistan failed to produce a single qualified cardiologist who can examine our elites ? They all rush to Dobai or London.
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Apr 13, 2016 04:05pm
He should face the music as other Prime Ministers are doing through the world. he has top public office nd accusations are international the country must know the truth.
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Apr 13, 2016 04:17pm
Yeah, sure private and medical trip!
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Apr 13, 2016 04:17pm
What's wrong with Pakistani's Doctors?
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Apr 13, 2016 04:22pm
A country where all claims of progress have made, does not have medical facilities for PM's medical check up? Wow.
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Apr 13, 2016 04:24pm
if they don't believe in Pakistani doctors then how they are going to believe a normal Pakistani. SHAME!
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Apr 13, 2016 04:35pm
"Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif left for London from Lahore's Allama Iqbal Airport on Wednesday for a 'personal and medical visit'"
And I bet the taxpayers are paying for the private jet flight to London for this 'personal and medical visit'.
Another question, if the Sharif family has business abroad, homes abroad, family living abroad, they travel abroad for medical treatment THEN why o why do they need to stay in Pakistan just for the govt? I think we all know the answer to that. Hint: Panama leaks.
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Apr 13, 2016 04:44pm
At the time of Charsadda incident he stayed in London for a week without giving any known reason. Now he is again going and nobody knows for how long. This is how Pakistan being run by professional politians.
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Apr 13, 2016 04:45pm
@Lafanga - It just goes to show some foreign families are ruling Pakistan and they just come here to plunder!
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Apr 13, 2016 04:49pm
@Proud Pakistani - why not... this is my right in democracy to know how he earned that money. Don't you wanna know what he is doing with your hard earned money???
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Apr 13, 2016 04:52pm
All the politicians and dictators develop health issues when they are in trouble.
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Apr 13, 2016 04:52pm
Anyway we slice it, it is insult over injury!
First the Panama revelations jolted us to notice how the power is being abused and wealth amassed abroad, and possible tax evasion, by NS and his family.
And then the PM heads of on a 'PM jets off to London for Private visit' at tax-payer's expense,
Wonderful Pakistan.. May we be robbed for 1000 years!
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Apr 13, 2016 04:55pm
May our so-called leaders establish medical facilities for themselves in their ruled lands, the tiny fruition of which might reach to ordinary soul by chance!
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Apr 13, 2016 04:57pm
UK has best treatment for diarrhea and flu.
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Apr 13, 2016 05:07pm
What a picture of humility displayed by PM Sharif leaning to kiss his mother's hande picture!
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Apr 13, 2016 05:09pm
@Proud Pakistani
Spot on...who cares if these people are rich or have lied about their assets? The important thing is we have new buses in Lahore...
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Apr 13, 2016 05:17pm
Royal family Royal Expenses,
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Apr 13, 2016 05:26pm
@Justwasif Because we have hospitals for our PM and also for our country men. Sometimes we treet patients from Pakistan as well.
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Apr 13, 2016 05:46pm
@Proud Pakistani
Actually, it is the PM himself who gave most importance to Panama PApers by deciding to address the whole of Pakistan on national TV. So in fact, he himself has raised the profile of this issue. Only now does he realise that his story hasn't worked and people want real answers.
For example, his son says they bought the london flat in 2006, and his wife says they were bought when the sons were studying in london, at at that time, nawaz or his businesses were not paying enough tax in Pakistan to justify buying property in the most expenseive part of London.
In any case, if they are innocent, why don't they agree to oppisitions demands of an indepth forensic investigation.
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Apr 13, 2016 05:47pm
Our P.M is going to see Dr. Asif ali Zardari for a better advice.
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Apr 13, 2016 05:53pm
I don't think any Indian leaders ever lived in London.
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Apr 13, 2016 05:54pm
@Proud Pakistani you need some help mate :)
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Apr 13, 2016 05:59pm
Why cannot these leaders have mercy on poor Pakistanis and leave us for ever. Please find another country to loot and plunder.
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Apr 13, 2016 06:01pm
We should consider the change capital of Pakistan to London or Dubai and all the corrupt politician could stay there forever and leave Pakistan in peace.
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Apr 13, 2016 06:03pm
@Adeel I'm not from PTI.
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Apr 13, 2016 06:04pm
pakistani health care is for poor masses!!!!
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Apr 13, 2016 06:05pm
If he is going for a private visit why should state pay thousands of pounds. He should travel on regular flights or pay himself for the visit including flight cost
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Apr 13, 2016 06:35pm
Not fit to run the office.
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Apr 13, 2016 06:42pm
The real issue to consider is the people. Leaks or no leaks these cone politicians can't survive a day if voters are since to the country more than caste or party.This country will be back on its feet the day we start self accountability, question our family members and neighbours. Are we desperate enough to stand up and bring change ?????
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Apr 13, 2016 06:45pm
Why NS is using government money for a private visit. He needs to resign
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Apr 13, 2016 06:51pm
Let PM stand in he court of people. And let journalists and lawyers question him and televise it every day.
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Apr 13, 2016 06:55pm
@salman Your last paragraph tell the whole story, no one has to worry if they did not do anything wrong. sooner or later honesty always prevail, may be not in Pakistan.
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Apr 13, 2016 06:58pm
It is customary for politicians in trouble to plan a medical check up in London
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Apr 13, 2016 06:58pm
Nawaz Sharif again lied to the nation that he's going to London for medical check up?
People have a right to know the truth, especially when politicians have reputation of being dishonest. Therefore, details of his medical appointment and doctor's report, along with any other meetings must be disclosed by him. We question his 17 trips to London in last 3 years? He has abused tax payers money for personal business trips?
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Apr 13, 2016 06:58pm
President Mamnoon flew 2 Turkey to be there for attending 3 days OIC conference which is very much official and its dates cannot be changed but how come PM Nawaz left for London for a week which could have delayed ti President returns. However, by at this point of time when I am writing, my beloved Pakistan is without President and Prime Minister which is quite strange and awkward to be honest. I am in Kuwait since 1978 and I have never ever noticed that Amir and Deputy Amir absented at the same time. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Pakistani Diplomat in Kuwait
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Apr 13, 2016 07:06pm
@Proud Pakistani Please try to think beyond politics and just ask you self as a Pakistani what is good for Pakistan as a whole not part of it, I hope you will get an honest answer. Personally I don't care who lead and run the country however must be honest, honest and honest to Pakistanis.
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Apr 13, 2016 07:09pm
Zardari will now TELL Nawaz to stop all action against the PPP...
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Apr 13, 2016 07:16pm
@ZAK - Indian's dont live there..they just abscond to London e.g Modi of IPL fame and Mallaya of Kingfisher
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Apr 13, 2016 07:19pm
despite all this we will still vote for the same people.... so who is participating in corruption???? but we have new buses.... :).
Will our dear PM make changes in constitution to enable the countries tax payers to have a safe heaven within Pakistan allowing them to avoid taxes legally. Please do so.... we are in need for the same............. :)
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Apr 13, 2016 07:20pm
Why cant you invest in more state of the art medical schools, and have other foreign dignitaries come to Pakistan for treatment.
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Apr 13, 2016 07:33pm
Is he traveling at tax payers expense?
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Apr 13, 2016 07:40pm
"Pakistanis should get rid of corrupt politicians.".....................HOW !
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Apr 13, 2016 07:42pm
Next stop Iceland & then Ukraine.
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Apr 13, 2016 07:51pm
Even the Saudi Kings don't fly off to London to see a doctor every time he sneezes.
Nice one NS.
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Apr 13, 2016 07:54pm
He is going away on the cost of tax payers's to get a good advice from Mr.Zardari so he could avoid his tax evasion and may be more from his past. How cleaver.
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Apr 13, 2016 08:13pm
@Tarik Pakistan has long lasting problems, We need to let overseas Pakistanis help Pakistan to get a handle on both. Many Pakistanis overseas are retiring they could be an untapped resource for Pakistan. They should be allowed to keep dual citizenship so that they could receive their retirement income and help Pakistani economy while living there and help Pakistan by sharing their overseas experiences
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Apr 13, 2016 08:24pm
why is everyone concerned so much for NS, remember we voted for him and we wanted him to become our PM Right???
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Apr 13, 2016 08:35pm
Is he coming back ?????
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Apr 13, 2016 09:15pm
Moscow? To seek advice? No confidence in the medical facilities in Pakistan? Lead by Zardari's example?
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Apr 13, 2016 09:19pm
Well played sir!
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Apr 13, 2016 11:41pm
He should be given a chance to return the illegal money stashed in foreign banks,
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Apr 14, 2016 12:06am
Cant we run country without President Mamnoon + PM Nawaz? Pakistan spends far too much on their staff and houses but for what and why is my only innocent question? Will sky split apart since at this point of time President is in Turkey on official visit attending OIC conference while PM has flown out on personal trip? To me PM should have gone when President had returned and not otherwise. In Kuwait I have never ever seen that Amir and Deputy Amir leave the country at a time very well proves that one of the two must be in the country all the time which is very much logical and prudent in any case. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi, Former Diplomat in Kuwait
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Apr 14, 2016 12:07am
What other options does he has got
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Apr 14, 2016 12:17am
If they r our leaders,they should be treated by our doctors within our country.If they don't like our doctors,let them stay over seas for ever.
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Apr 14, 2016 12:26am
I am wondering, where does Moscow come in between Lahore and London? Am I looking at the may the wrong way? Can some one please explain my misunderstanding?
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Apr 14, 2016 01:07am
The PM should have gone to OIC and taken up the RAW issue and brought back the kashmir issue. These are troubling times in Middle East and presence is a must. Sending Mr Mamoon, with no influence or power means no one will give him any importance. The interests of Pakistan are suffering due to Nawaz sharifs personal interests.
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Apr 14, 2016 01:11am
How convenience use and abuse Pakistani tax payers.
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Apr 14, 2016 01:20am
I wonder when these leaders can work for the nation rather for just for their families and them.
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Apr 14, 2016 01:40am
He has gone to sort out Panama leak issues.
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Apr 14, 2016 01:47am
Off to seek guidance/help from foreign masters.
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Apr 14, 2016 02:08am
Better remain there.
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Apr 14, 2016 07:01pm
PM Nawaz Sharif has gone to London for medical check up. He should have taken regular PIA flight for his private trip, instead of PAF Gulfstream jet paid by the tax payer? This is unacceptable and should be taken up in the parliament.
This was "not" a state visit or official trip that he is using a PAF jet. The cost of fuel, with crew hotels/meals/transportation and aircraft parking charges for the number of days in London, will be ten times more more than a PIA flight.
Gulfstream could have taken the shortest route across Iran and Turkey, not flying North via Moscow? No democracy would allow such misuse of tax payer money. PAF must determine cost of the trip and Nawaz Sharif must reimburse the government.
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