KARACHI (Web Desk) – In a recent political development, Senator Saifullah Abro, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate from NA-194 (Larkana 1), on Friday withdrew from the upcoming Feb 8 polls in favour of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Abro confirmed this decision on a social media platform, citing a meeting with Bilawal on Thursday as the reason for his withdrawal.
Best wishes for you @BBhuttoZardari, IA will fight together against PMLN Mafia who have manipulated the rights of Pakistanis !! I and Voters of My Constituency will vote for you. https://t.co/5SSRbAMf50
— Senator Saifullah Abro (@SaifullahA_PTI) January 26, 2024NA-194 is considered a stronghold of the PPP, given Bilawal's previous victory in the 2018 elections. Abro's withdrawal is anticipated to bolster Bilawal's standing in the constituency.
In response to Abro's withdrawal, the PTI has issued a show-cause notice to the senator, seeking a written explanation within three days for what it deems a breach of party policy and "grave indiscipline."
Show cause notice has been issued to Senator Saif Ullah Abro for violating party’s policy pic.twitter.com/vhn6oMN8KE
— PTI (@PTIofficial) January 26, 2024This development occurs amidst heightened efforts by political parties to sway voters, including independent candidates and those from rival parties, to strengthen their electoral prospects.
Abro's decision, a PTI senator, aligns with Bilawal's call for PTI and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) voters to support the PPP in the upcoming elections.
Bilawal has framed the contest as between the "arrow" (PPP's symbol) and the "lion" (PML-N's symbol), highlighting PTI candidates' independent status following the loss of the party's "bat" symbol.