Zardari, Altaf for continuity of democratic process | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Zardari, Altaf for continuity of democratic process

* Agree to promote mutual understanding, avoid confrontation

KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain have agreed that mutual understanding and dignity towards each other should be promoted instead of resorting to confrontation.

Zardari and Hussain met at a hotel in London on Friday evening. Detailed discussions were held between the two leaders on the overall political and economic situation of the country and other issues of mutual interests. The meeting continued for over one and a half hour.

It was recognised during the meeting that the country was facing innumerable problems and it was necessary to strengthen the democracy for solving the problems being faced by the people and for bringing progress and prosperity in the country. The democratic system must continue, and mutual understanding and dignity towards each other should be promoted instead of resorting to confrontation.

The two leaders agreed on consolidating the alliance between the MQM and the PPP for stabilising democracy by increasing mutual cooperation. They also agreed on removing urban-rural divide and said that brotherly relations would be promoted between the permanent inhabitants of Sindh.

It was also agreed during the meeting to accelerate efforts to lift embargo on the overseas Pakistanis from contesting general elections in the country. They also condemned the terrorism against Hazara community in Balochistan and expressed sympathies to the victims and their families. Hussain stressed upon the need for further effective action for controlling the load-shedding.

Hussain also informed the president about the grave concerns of the business community in Karachi on the terrorism of the extortion mafia. President Zardari assured Hussain that the government will take more effective actions in order to control the load shedding and relieving the energy crisis in the country.

President Zardari declared that forceful actions would be taken for restoring law and order situation and for providing security to the life and property of people.

He thanked Hussain for the support given by the MQM in the recent election for the office of the prime minister. He also appreciated the efforts being made byHussain for strengthening democracy in the country.

Federal Advisor on Interior Affairs Rehman Malik, Pakistani High Commissioner in UK Wajid Shamsul Hassan and members of the MQM Coordination Committee were also present at the meeting.

Daily Time