LONDON: 3RD NOVEMBER 2010:
Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik had a detailed meeting with MQM founder and leader Altaf Hussain on Tuesday eve. Overall political situation in the country, relationship between MQM and PPP and the situation in Karachi after the Sher Shah carnage came under discussion among various other issues. Rehman Malik had one to one meeting with Mr. Hussain and discussed the national as well as international affairs with him. Members of the Co-ordination Committee of MQM later joined in the discussion.
Rehman Malik conveyed sentiments of good wishes on behalf of President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani and briefed about the Pak- America Strategic Dialogues, situation in the region. He also informed the meeting about the steps being taken for restoration of law and order in Karachi after the Sher Shah carnage and about the action being taken against criminal elements in Karachi.
Mr. Altaf Hussain expressed deep concerns about the soaring oil prices, rapid increase in prices of commodities and load shedding of electricity and natural gas. He said that the public was greatly disturbed and hence the government must pay serious attention towards solving these problems. He said that in order to bring lasting peace in Karachi, indiscriminate action against land mafia, drug mafia, extortion mafia and weapon mafia was essential. The perpetrators of Sher Shah Carnage must be arrested and justice should be given to the affected shopkeepers.
Members of the Co-ordination Committee expressed dismay at the fact that the reservations of MQM regarding the affairs of the coalition government were not removed despite repeated assurances. Rehman Malik assured that all the reservations of MQM will be removed and problems solved. He said that MQM and PPP will work closer together for the strengthening of democracy and for solving problems of public.
Mr. Altaf Hussain thanked Federal Minister Rehman Malik for listening to the reservation of MQM and appreciated his positive role towards solution of problems. Mr. Hussain also appreciated efforts of Rehman Malik for eliminating corruption in the country. He reciprocated the good wishes of the President and Prime Minister.
Rehman Malik expressed condolences on behalf of the President and Prime Minister at the tragic death of MQM Convener Dr. Imran Farooq and said that the government would extend full co-operation for burial arrangements in Karachi.