Maryam thanks Bilawal for ‘thoughtfulness and kind gesture’

LAHORE: Maryam Nawaz Sharif thanked Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari following his meeting with her father Nawaz Sharif at Kot Lakhpat jail.

“Thank you very much @BBhuttoZardari for your thoughtfulness & kind gesture. Means a lot to me. Prayers & every good wish. God bless,” Maryam Nawaz tweeted.

In response to Maryam’s tweet, Bilawal responded that he hoped to ‘maintain traditions of decency and humanity’ and they were ‘people first and politicians later’.

Bilawal following his meeting with the former prime minister told reporters it was the government’s responsibility to provide Nawaz Sharif with the best medical treatment.

"I felt upset when I met Mian Sb, he looked very ill. I request on behalf of the PPP that Mian Sb is given the best medical treatment and whatever treatment he has been demanding. I hope the prime minister and his government think on humanitarian grounds," he added. "Keeping a heart patient under pressure and stress is equivalent to torture."

Bilawal continued, "I only came here to inquire about Mian Sb's health and we mostly discussed that. Obviously, we are politicians and discussed other things, including the Charter of Democracy."

"Mian Sb and Benazir Bhutto signed the Charter of Democracy in 2006 and it is our failure that it wasn't fully implemented.

In response to a question regarding Nawaz seeking to go abroad, Bilawal said, "I got no impression or inkling that a deal has been made. Mian Sb is upholding his principles and did not appear to be willing to make a compromise."

"Mian Sb said he is ideological and wants to do ideological politics," he added. "My father spent 11 and a half years in jail and each time it was said that a deal has been struck with former president Pervez Musharraf," Bilawal continued.

In response to a question, Bilawal said he would be willing to meet Maryam Nawaz Sharif. “At the right time or when it is appropriate I will be happy to meet with Maryam Nawaz.”