LAHORE: PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif embarked on a 'low-key' five-day visit to China on Monday, with the ruling party declining to disclose specifics about the purpose of his trip
PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar refrained from confirming the elder Sharif's "undisclosed trip" to Beijing.
"I have no information regarding Nawaz Sharif's visit to China," Mr. Tarar informed Dawn. However, a PML-N minister confirmed to Dawn that indeed, the elder Sharif had departed for China on a "private visit."
Media reports indicated that the visit was of a 'personal nature,' during which he would undergo a "medical check-up" and engage in meetings with certain Chinese companies concerning development projects in Punjab, where his daughter Maryam Nawaz serves as the chief minister. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Maryam's son Junaid Safdar are accompanying him on the trip.
CM Maryam has instructed the Punjab government to supply solar power systems to 50,000 households.
A source with close ties to the Sharif family informed Dawn that the purpose of the elder Sharif's trip was not disclosed to the party leadership. "The details of [Nawaz] Sharif's visit to China have been intentionally withheld from the party and the PML-N government. Only a select few of the elder Sharif's closest associates might be aware of the true nature of his visit," they stated.
The insider mentioned that speculation was rife within party circles regarding whether the elder Sharif had a "special assignment" in China, one that perhaps couldn't be fulfilled by his younger brother, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
In the past, Nawaz Sharif has opted to travel to London for medical reasons rather than visiting China. He has undergone multiple procedures there, with his most recent stay lasting from 2019 to 2023.
Solar power
The Punjab government plans to distribute a 1kV solar power system to each of 50,000 households in the province.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired a meeting on the 'Light without Electricity Bill, Roshan Punjab Programme' to receive a technical briefing on the implementation of 1kV solar power systems for domestic consumers. The meeting took place here on Monday.
The provincial government's Roshan Punjab Programme aims to offer complimentary electricity to impoverished communities.
Sanctioning the allocation of 1kV solar power systems for 50,000 households in Punjab, the chief minister instructed the immediate commencement of the pilot project. "Protected consumers using up to 100 units of electricity will qualify for the program's initial phase. Each 1kV system will include two solar panels, a battery, an inverter, and necessary wiring for the consumers," she stated.
The lithium iron battery can provide up to 16 hours of charging
The chief minister instructed the relevant officials to ensure the installation of state-of-the-art solar systems
Women police station
On Monday, the chief minister inaugurated the first virtual women police station at the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA).
The Virtual Women Police Station will assist women throughout every stage of the criminal process, from filing the FIR to its investigation and trial.
Women can reach out to the police through the 15 Call, Women Safety App live chat feature, video call feature, Punjab Police App, and the Safe City web portal," she explained.
