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.