Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who is facing severe criticism by the opposition parties and their members in the Parliament after his conviction in contempt of court case, will lead a 70-member delegation for a 5-day visit to the United Kingdom. The visit, which was decided during the visit British Prime Minister David Cameron, will begin on May 8.
According to reports, Mr Gilani has no scheduled meeting with any significant British personality except a meeting with the British counterpart for an hour during the five day visit which would cost Pakistan millions of rupees. For most of the time, the prime minister would be delivering speeches at private gathering of Pakistani communities, including a Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) public meeting in Birmingham.
According to sources, the UK government will bear expenses of only six members of the delegation out of 70 and the rest would be borne by the government of Pakistan. The sources further said that the delegation includes some who would just be enjoying the trip.
On the other hand, voices have come out of the British Parliament questioning the visit of a convicted prime minister. Mr Gilani is also likely to face tough questions by the British and International media. A strong team of media persons of the liking of the prime minister has also been chosen which would reach London ahead of Mr Gilani.
National exchequer to bear burden of Gilani’s 64 uninvited companions to UK
