Former Prime Minister of Pakistan and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif, departed for London on Sunday via a private jet from Lahore. According to party sources and media reports, the travel is part of a pre-scheduled visit primarily focused on medical consultations and rest.
The private aircraft carrying Nawaz Sharif took off from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport in the early hours of the morning. Close aides and family members confirmed that the former prime minister would be staying in London for approximately two weeks, during which he will undergo a detailed medical check-up and consultations with his long-standing team of British doctors.
This journey marks another high-profile international travel for Nawaz Sharif, who has often found himself at the center of political and legal storms in Pakistan. His departure, though not entirely unexpected, has raised eyebrows in political circles, especially given the charged atmosphere in Pakistani politics leading up to the next general elections.
Political Context
Nawaz Sharif’s travel comes at a sensitive time. Though officially retired from active politics, he remains the de facto leader and strategic mind behind the PML-N’s decisions. Over the past few months, the political temperature in Pakistan has been rising steadily. With the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) facing legal challenges and internal divisions, and the ruling coalition under criticism for economic struggles, Nawaz Sharif’s overseas trip has prompted speculation about its possible implications.
Some political analysts argue that his departure may be aimed at holding consultations with international advisors or Pakistani expatriate supporters in London, a traditional hub for Pakistani political diaspora activity. Others see the trip as strictly personal and medical in nature.
Health and Previous Travels
This is not the first time Nawaz Sharif has traveled to London for medical reasons. In November 2019, he was allowed to leave Pakistan on humanitarian grounds following a court decision that permitted his travel for urgent medical treatment abroad. At that time, he had traveled via a high-end air ambulance equipped with an ICU and medical staff. His brother, current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and his personal physician Dr. Adnan Khan accompanied him on that journey.
Following several months in London, Nawaz Sharif stayed abroad for an extended period, citing health reasons and security concerns about returning to Pakistan. While critics accused him of using health as a pretext to escape accountability, his party maintained that his treatment was unavailable in Pakistan and required specialized care in the UK.
This latest trip, however, appears to be of shorter duration. Sources within the PML-N have indicated that Nawaz Sharif will return before the end of the month to resume his strategic role ahead of the party’s preparations for the upcoming elections.
Media Reactions and Public Discourse
Local media outlets and social media users have been quick to react to the news. While supporters of the PML-N expressed their well-wishes for Nawaz Sharif’s health, opposition figures questioned the transparency surrounding his travel and the use of a private jet.
Some political commentators have raised concerns about the elite privileges that allow top leaders to leave the country at will, while ordinary citizens face difficulties in accessing international medical treatment. Others have pointed out that the use of a private aircraft in the current economic climate may not send the right message to the public.
However, PML-N leaders defended the travel arrangements, saying they were funded privately and had no connection to public resources. Party spokespersons also emphasized that Nawaz Sharif’s health remained a serious issue and that the party has been fully transparent about his medical needs and travel plans.
The Road Ahead
Nawaz Sharif’s visit to London, regardless of its intent, comes at a time when every move by major political figures is being scrutinized for its electoral significance. With Pakistan’s political landscape undergoing rapid shifts, even a short trip abroad by a key figure like Nawaz Sharif generates speculation, debate, and analysis.
It remains to be seen how this visit will influence political narratives in the weeks to come. Will it be followed by a reinvigorated public campaign upon his return? Or is this trip primarily about personal health and respite before the next phase of political activity?
For now, the former prime minister has once again taken center stage — not with a speech or rally, but with a silent departure aboard a private jet, leaving the country to watch, wonder, and wait.
Reference: نواز شریف خصوصی طیارے کے ذریعے لاہور سے لندن روانہ