Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), embarked on a personal trip to China, making headlines as he paid respects at the shrine of Hazrat Saad ibn Abi Waqqas (RA) in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province.
Hazrat Saad ibn Abi Waqqas (RA) holds historical significance as one of the early Arab Muslims who played a pivotal role in spreading Islam in China during the early Tang Dynasty. Sharif, accompanied by his grandson Junaid Safdar and five others, offered Fateha at the holy site, marking his first foreign visit since his return from a four-year self-imposed exile in London.
His arrival in China on Wednesday marked a notable step in diplomatic engagement, despite the absence of official business. However, insider sources suggest a potentially fruitful outcome for Pakistan’s technological landscape. The proposed Nawaz Sharif IT City in Lahore, spearheaded by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, stands as a focal point for potential Chinese investment.
It’s reported that several Chinese firms have expressed keen interest in contributing to the development of the IT City, with negotiations expected to gain momentum following Sharif’s visit. Moreover, diplomatic channels hint at efforts to reinvigorate ties with Chinese political and business elites, a move that could pave the way for broader economic collaboration between the two nations.
In a broader context, Sharif’s visit sets the stage for future engagements, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam anticipated to follow suit with their own visits to China later this year, potentially in June. This strategic diplomatic push underscores Pakistan’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with its regional partners, particularly in the realm of economic development and cooperation.
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