KP CM Afridi thanks Bilawal for well wishes during Sindh tour

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi extended his gratitude to PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday following the latter's well-wishes for Afridi during his Sindh tour. Afridi was in Sindh on a five-day visit as part of a public mobilisation campaign ahead of his party's nationwide protest for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and his urgent medical treatment at the Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.

Bilawal had previously wished Afridi 'best wishes for the remainder of his tour across Sindh' and expressed hope for a return to a politics of tolerance, respect and coexistence.

In response, Afridi acknowledged the beauty of democracy lies in freedom of politics and expression, independence of judiciary, acceptance of public mandate, an independent parliament and press being free. He also expressed optimism that a large crowd would rally in support of the PTI's call in Karachi and Hyderabad, two cities on his itinerary for the day.

The exchange of notes comes as there are indications of a potential reconciliation between the PPP and the PTI at the Centre. Bilawal had previously voiced discontent over alleged irregularities and rigging in the recent elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as well as disagreements over the creation of new provinces. Last month, Bilawal stated that a genuine alliance with the PML-N was not feasible until their concerns regarding the polls were addressed.

Meanwhile, the PPP reached out to the PTI formally, offering cooperation in parliament. To date, the PPP has served as the primary ally of the ruling PML-N, while the PTI remains in opposition. When Afridi last visited Sindh to rally people for a street movement, he initially commended the PPP-led Sindh government's reception, highlighting the enduring democratic legacy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto in the province.

However, he later criticized the Sindh government for not upholding the honor of the ajrak and topi, and complained about its handling of its "guests." Prior to Afridi's rally in Karachi on January 11, the party alleged that Afridi faced obstacles on his journey to the city, along with reports of violence against its workers and supporters by authorities.