Nawaz Sharif quietly embarks on multi-country tour amid key judicial transition

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif quietly embarked on a multi-country tour on Friday, coinciding with the retirement of Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa.

Notably, Sharif’s return to Pakistan earlier this year also followed closely after Justice Isa assumed office, raising speculation over the timing of his movements.

For months, rumours circulated about Sharif’s intended departure for a medical check-up in London, with party leaders confirming only that such a visit was indeed due. Despite frequent media inquiries, no details of his itinerary were disclosed by party representatives, maintaining an unusual silence over the specifics of Sharif’s plans.

Media reports indicate that Sharif departed from Pakistan on an Emirates flight to Dubai, from where he will travel to London for a medical examination.

Following his London visit, he is reportedly set to leave for the United States by October 29, where he is expected to stay for around four days before returning to London. After this, Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz and other family members are anticipated to join him for a European tour.

Sharif’s departure also comes amid a key constitutional amendment that prevented Justice Mansoor Ali Shah from assuming the chief justice role after Justice Isa’s retirement. The government, lacking sufficient parliamentary support, allegedly considered unconventional tactics, including alleged “horse-trading” to secure votes.

The possibility of floor-crossing was legally enabled by a recent decision by the outgoing Chief Justice Isa, who reversed an earlier Supreme Court ruling on Article 63-A of the Constitution, effectively allowing lawmakers to cross the floor without automatic disqualification.

In an unexpected twist, Sharif’s quiet exit has avoided significant mainstream media coverage, marking a departure from the typically high-profile nature of his travels.