No 'secret meeting' planned for PM in London: Nisar

PM Nawaz Sharif's health deteriorated during the last two-three weeks, says interior minister

Dispelling rumours that the prime minister was travelling to London for a 'secret meeting', Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar has said Nawaz Sharif is going to the UK for medical treatment only.

“For the last three weeks, his health has deteriorated for which the prime minister had to travel,” he said, while speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday.

“In this country some people cannot even get ill as rumour-mongers keep on politicising the issue."

The prime minister departed for London earlier during the day for a "routine medical checkup, which was repeatedly postponed due to his official engagements over the past few months".



Commenting about the controversial Panama Papers leaks, the country’s security czar said the issue was not linked to the PM but his two sons.

“The prime minister had already formed a commission to probe the issue but some people are busy in hurling allegations since then,” Nisar said, adding he could further bring any information to public if need be.

A massive leak of 11.5 million tax documents on April 3 exposed the secret offshore dealings of world leaders and celebrities, also naming three of the premier’s children for owning London real estate through offshore companies.

Red Zone processions

Speaking about political rallies and processions in the Red Zone area of Islamabad, the federal interior minister said from now on no such events will be allowed unless it has been agreed with the government.

“Administration should stand on its own to protect the federal capital. We will not act strictly but certainly brace ourselves before the day of any procession,” he added.

Two-day Germany trip

Taking precautionary measures before his two-day visit to Germany, Nisar said: “My wife has already reached Germany, and it will be my private visit to the country. I have disclosed this personal information so that no rumours are spread when I am gone.”