Has Shehbaz Sharif made a quick escape to London as Pakistan battles crisis after crisis?

What does one do after a hectic week of diplomacy and wooing the US president? If you are Pakistan’s prime minister, then you head for a holiday to relax and unwind even as your country continues to struggle economically and politically.

Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif is now in London following his US visit and will stay there until Thursday (October 2) following which he will return home.

But what exactly is Sharif up to in London?

A little downtime for Pakistan’s PM

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif departed for London from the United States on September 27 and is expected to be in the British capital until October 2. During his stay in London, the 74-year-old Pakistani prime minister is expected to undergo a battery of medical tests on the recommendation of his doctor.

This comes as as Sharif is a cancer survivor. In 2000, the Pakistani prime minister was diagnosed with an extremely rare and perilous form of cancer known as Adenocarcinoid. After years of treatment, he declared victory over his condition.

A source close to the Pakistani PM was also quoted as telling News18 that Sharif has directed his staff to explore London for peaceful activities. He wants some family time, for which he has extended his stay, the source told News18.

The news report added that Sharif plans to go shopping and would like to indulge in some fine-dining eating, as doctors have recommended him to go easy and live a stress-free life.

In his time in London, Sharif has also met with various delegations of overseas Pakistanis.

UNGA, wooing Trump… Shehbaz Sharif’s hectic time in the US

The Pakistan PM’s time in London comes after his hectic schedule in the United States. First, Sharif and Pakistani army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir met Donald Trump and members of his administration at the White House on September 25 during which the two from Islamabad lavished praised on the US president.

While the meeting was held behind closed doors, it has been revealed that the Pakistani and American leaders discussed regional security and cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism. It was also revealed that Shehbaz Sharif described Trump as a “man of peace” for his “sincere efforts” to end conflicts around the globe.

He also thanked Trump for the tariff deal signed between Pakistan and the US in July. The two countries reached a trade agreement that entails a 19 per cent tariff on Pakistani imports and will allow Washington to help develop Pakistan’s oil reserves.

Moreover, Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir also presented Trump with a box of rare earth minerals — a further wooing of the American president.

Following the visit with Trump, Sharif also addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday (September 26), during which he stated that the outcome of the conflict in May was a military success for Pakistan. “[India] enemy came shrouded in arrogance, we sent them back in humiliation, delivering a bloody nose,” he said in his UNGA address.

He also told the UNGA that Pakistan would continue to stand with the people of Kashmir.

Moreover, he called US President Donald Trump as “a man of peace” and said his country had nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize for his “outstanding contribution” to promoting peace in South Asia following the conflict with India.

A precarious time for Pakistan

The timing of Sharif’s visit to Pakistan is of significance. The country’s economy continues to struggle. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) in its latest report said that Pakistan’s average inflation is expected to rise to six per cent during fiscal year 2026. Moreover, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is likely to lower its growth estimates for Pakistan’s economy.

But the country’s isn’t just in economic turmoil. Earlier, this week, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) plunged into unrest as the Awami Action Committee (AAC) launched demonstrations, calling for a “shutter-down” and “wheel-jam” strike that threatens to continue indefinitely.

Hilarious. Islamabad Police personnel from Pakistan who were brought to control crowds driving massive protests in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) have today been captured by PoK civilian protestors. Pakistani Police brought to their knees by angry Kashmiris. pic.twitter.com/voh0TlsrGI

— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) September 30, 2025

The protests, reportedly the largest in recent history, have prompted Islamabad to deploy heavy security and cut internet access across the region in a bid to curb mobilisation.

According to reports, at least two people died in the demonstrations on Monday while another 22 were injured after police opened fire on the agitators.

Amid such a situation, it doesn’t bode well for the country’s prime minister to be taking time off and shopping and relaxing. But it seems that it’s not an issue for Shehbaz Sharif.

With inputs from agencies