Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif paid a visit to the shrine of Hazrat Saad ibn Abi Waqqas (RA) in Guangzhou, the capital and largest city of Guangdong province in southern China, on Thursday.
During his week-long stay in China, Sharif offered prayers at the sacred resting place of Sahabi-e-Rasul Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH). Hazrat Saad ibn Abi Waqqas (RA) was among the early Arab Muslims who introduced Islam to China during the Tang Dynasty.
Accompanied by his grandson Junaid Safdar and five others, Sharif arrived in China on Wednesday (April 24), marking his first foreign trip since returning from a four-year self-imposed exile in London.
Departing on Chinese Airline Flight CZ-6038 on Monday, Sharif’s visit, although unofficial, may hold significance for the establishment of the Nawaz Sharif IT-City in Lahore, a project initiated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Numerous Chinese companies have expressed interest in investing in the Nawaz Sharif IT City, expected to be operational within a year. Additionally, Sharif seeks to reestablish connections with leaders of the Chinese ruling party and prominent business figures during his visit.
Diplomatic sources suggest that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and CM Maryam are also scheduled to visit China in June this year. This aligns with efforts to bolster ties and explore potential collaborations between Pakistan and China.