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Fact Check: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s May 2026 China Visit Confirmed

Fact‑check confirms PM Shehbaz Sharif’s scheduled May 23‑26, 2026 visit to China to advance a digital corridor ahead of the 75th anniversary of Pakistan‑China diplomatic relations.

Nadia Okafor/3 min/US

Political Correspondent

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Fact Check: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s May 2026 China Visit Confirmed
Source: NationOriginal source

The claim that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit China from May 23 to May 26, 2026 to advance a digital corridor ahead of the 75th anniversary of Pakistan‑China diplomatic relations is true.

Claim

The claim states that PM Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled for a three‑day official visit to China on those dates, announced by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, to push forward a Pak‑China digital corridor before the May 21, 2026 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Evidence

Multiple Pakistani outlets reported on May 13, 2026 that Dar announced the visit. Pakistan Today, Tribune.com.pk, Dawn.com, and MSN.com all cited the same dates and purpose. The same outlets also noted that Pakistan and China will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations on May 21, 2026, confirming the timing. No source disputed the announcement or the anniversary date.

Verdict

True. The claim is supported by consistent reporting from reputable Pakistani news organizations and aligns with the established anniversary date.

Analysis

The visit follows President Zardari’s recent trip to China and builds on earlier memoranda of understanding. Dar described the trip as launching a “new phase in the digital age” aimed at creating a digital corridor for cooperation in areas such as agriculture, climate resilience, healthcare, disaster management and smart cities. The timing places the visit just two days after the anniversary, allowing both sides to showcase progress. Given the lack of contradictory evidence and the corroboration across independent reports, the claim holds with high confidence.

Watch for the outcomes of the May 23‑26 talks, especially any signed agreements on the digital corridor and follow‑up steps toward the anniversary celebrations.

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