MQM and PPP would restart dialogues on discordant issues
Both the parties would contest elections individually but there can be a possibility for adjustments on certain seats
Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik called on the Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Mr Altaf Hussain in London. The current political situation in the country was discussed in detail in the meeting that lasted for over three and a half hour.
Mr Malik inquired after the well-being of Mr Hussain and conveyed to him a gesture of goodwill from President Asif Zardari. He conveyed the message from President Zardari that although the two parties had come out of the political alliance, yet the relations established during the past five years had not ended.
Mr Hussain said that the old relations would continue in the larger interest of the country, particularly for promoting peace and stability in Sindh and for promoting the feelings of brotherhood among the people of the province. He said that the MQM believed in retaining relationships with all democratic forces in the country, including the PPP.
It was decided in the meeting that the core committees of the MQM and the PPP would restart dialogues on all discordant issues. It was also decided that both the parties would contest general elections individually but there could be a possibility for adjustments on certain seats.
Mr Malik praised the role of Mr Hussain for the continuation of democracy in the country and said that the PPP government could not possibly have completed its tenure of five years if Altaf Hussain had not extended his support. He said that the democratic process would also not have continued for five years if it were not for the sacrifices and support of Mr Hussain in every difficult time.
Mr Hussain welcomed the views of Mr Malik and praised his services for democracy and establishing peace in the country. He told Mr Malik that he would always be remembered if he succeeded in establishing a durable peace and bringing the criminals to justice.
Overall national and international situation also came under discussion in the meeting besides the current political situation.
Mr Malik offered fateha for the martyred MQM MPA Manzar Imam and other martyrs. He presented a bouquet to Mr Hussain on behalf of President Zardari.
