MOSCOW – Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Thursday rejected reports that Prime Minister Imran Khan has ended his two-day visit to Moscow after Russian launched an attack against Ukraine.
The information minister issued the statement after reports were shared by some media houses.
“Speculations about PM @ImranKhanPTI visit are misplaced. The Visit is proceeding and PM will return to Pakistan tonight as per schedule,” Chaudhry wrote.
Speculations about PM @ImranKhanPTI visit are misplaced. The Visit is proceeding and PM will return to Pakistan tonight as per schedule
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) February 24, 2022
Earlier in the day, Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba confirmed that Russian forces have launched “full-scale invasion”.
“Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes,” he wrote on Twitter
The development comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military invasion of Ukraine in a television address to the nation Thursday morning.
“I have made the decision of a military operation,” Putin said in the announcement.
Prime Minister Imran Khan landed in Moscow late on Wednesday on a two-day visit amid the ongoing crisis at the Ukraine-Russia border.
Earlier today, the premier paid homage and laid floral wreath at the Tobm of the Unknown Soldiers, who were killed during World War II, in Kremlin ahead of his one-on-one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The premier was also presented with Guard of Hounour at the monument of World War II heroes.
Federal Ministers Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, Asad Umar, and Hammad Azhar as well as Commerce Advisor Abdul Razak Dawood and National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf and MNA Amir Mahmood Kiani were also present on the ocassion.
The bilateral summit between Khan and Putin will be the highlight of the visit and it will be held at 3pm Pakistani time.
Besides, the prime minister will visit the biggest mosque of Russia and Islamic Centre in Moscow. Important leadership of Russia, including Deputy Prime Minister, investors, and businessmen will also meet Imran Khan.
During his meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Imran Khan will exchange views on international and regional issues. They will also discuss bilateral relations, especially cooperation in the energy sector. Matters pertaining to Islamophobia and situation in Afghanistan will also be come under discussion.
It is pertinent to mention that Imran Khan is the first Prime Minister, who is vising Russia after over two decades.
