Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in London on Friday following a state visit to Saudi Arabia, where Pakistan and the Kingdom finalised a landmark defence agreement. He paused in Geneva for a two-hour meeting with his elder brother, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is in Switzerland for medical treatment.
Geneva meeting and a royal message
While transiting through Geneva, the prime minister met Nawaz Sharif and updated him on the recently signed defence pact. Sources say Shehbaz delivered a special message from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the PML-N leader during the two-hour visit.
London programme and delegation
Shehbaz will remain in London through Sunday and is travelling with senior members of his cabinet, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. Officials said his schedule includes outreach to the Pakistani diaspora and political supporters in the United Kingdom.
Community event and celebrations planned
On Saturday the prime minister is due to speak at a large community gathering organised by the Overseas Pakistan Foundation together with the PML-N UK chapter, led by Ahsan Dar. A simultaneous celebratory event marking the Pakistan-Saudi defence agreement is also planned.
Political and diplomatic backdrop
The visit to Riyadh culminated in what Pakistani officials described as a milestone defence pact between Islamabad and Riyadh. The prime minister’s briefings to domestic and overseas audiences in London are expected to highlight the agreement and its implications for bilateral ties.
