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Chinese President Postpones Visit To Pakistan Due To Political Crisis


Chinese President Xi Jinping (file photo)
Chinese President Xi Jinping (file photo)

The state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan scheduled this month has been postponed due to antigovernment protests in Islamabad.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said on September 6 that "in view of the current political situation in Pakistan," the two sides agreed to postpone the visit. No new date was announced.

Supporters of oppositioin politician Imran Khan and cleric Tahir ul-Qadri have been protesting in Islamabad demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The protesters accuse Sharif of corruption and allege the 2013 election that brought him to power was rigged.

Sharif denies the accusations and has refused to step down.

Demonstrations turned violent last weekend when three people were killed and more than 500 injured.

China is a close ally of Pakistan and has been investing heavily in energy and infrastructure projects.

Based on reporting by AFP and dpa

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