LONDON Sept 23 (TNS): Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has arrived here to attend a high-level PML-N huddle to be chaired by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to discuss national and political issues.
After attending the 72nd annual session of the United Nations General Assembly, the premier arrived in London where he will meet Sharif and attend a high-level party meeting to discuss national issues and political situation.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif is also expected to depart for London to attend the meeting, whereas Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif and Sharif’s daughter Maryam Nawaz are already there.
The former PM is currently in London in connection with his wife Begum Kulsoom Nawaz’s treatment for throat cancer. A day before, she was discharged from a London hospital after her successful surgery for throat cancer.
Addressing the UN General Assembly a day before, the premier did not explicitly criticize US President Donald Trump’s new strategy on Afghanistan but made clear his displeasure with the renewed onus on Pakistan.
“Having suffered and sacrificed so much due to our role in the global counter terrorism campaign, it is especially galling for Pakistan to be blamed for the military or political stalemate in Afghanistan,” Abbasi had said. “We are not prepared to be anyone’s scapegoat,” he added.
Accusing India of “massive and indiscriminate force” in Kashmir, Abbasi urged an international investigation and warned of escalation on their military frontier, the Line of Control.
“Pakistan has acted with restraint. But if India does venture across the LoC, or acts upon its doctrine of limited war against Pakistan, it will evoke a strong and matching response,” he said.
