Trouble in Islamabad may force Xi Jinping to cancel Pak visit

Pakistan is keen on the forthcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping but there are fears that the visit may be cancelled owing to the uncertain political situation in the country.

Pakistan is keen on the forthcoming visit of Chinese president Xi Jinping but there are fears that the visit may be cancelled owing to the uncertain political situation in the country.

Interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan told parliament on Tuesday that the visit of two heads of state had already been postponed owing to the troubles created by protestors sitting outside Parliament House in the Pakistani capital. In his speech earlier this week, prime minister Nawaz Sharif warned that the ongoing political situation could jeopardise a number of key projects the country wants to undertake.

“China is very keen on investing in Pakistan and the political trouble can affect their sentiments,” Sharif said in an address to parliament.

It is believed that the Chinese president’s visit is being keenly awaited by both the Sharif government as well as the army high command. A number of power, infrastructure and defence deals are expected to be signed during the visit. China is one of Pakistan’s largest foreign investors with stakes in infrastructure, defence, mining, power and water projects.