PPP and MQM calls for united efforts to tackle country’s problems

ASSOCIATED PRESS SERVICE

LONDON- Pakistan Peoples Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement has underscored the importance of unity among all the political forces in Pakistan for resolving multitude of problems facing the country.
At their meeting held late on Friday evening when MQM leader Altaf Hussein called on PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, the two leaders discussed at length the prevailing political situation in the country, the judiciary and economic issues, and maintenance of peace and harmony in Karachi where MQM is now the coalition partner of the PPP.
On this occasion the participants offered fateha for the departed soul of late PPP Chairperson Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto while condoling her tragic death.
The two leaders pointed out imperative of keeping intact the coalition between PPP and PML-N at the centre despite their failure to sort out the vexed issue of the Judiciary at their two long sessions earlier in the day.
Zardari said his party was fully committed to the Charter of Democracy which carry the signature of his later Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif. He said even if his party win two-third majority in the Parliament, he would endeavour to carry all the political parties with him in the greater national interest.
The PPP leader also referred to the release of the former Baluchistan Chief Minister Akhtar Mengal and said he was determined to resolve all the outstanding issues facing the western province of the country.
Zardari said the enemies of the country were working to sow the seed of dissension in that province and it was necessary to foil all their nefarious designs. “That is why I am keen to take along all the political forces to achieve national unity and face these difficulties together and resolve them.”
He praised the leadership of Altaf Hussein and said MQM is a very significant political force in Pakistan which has lot to offer for the betterment of country.
Referring to the discussion with PML-N on the judiciary issue, Zardari said there exists many commonality between the two parties who also have equal positions on matters of importance.
“It is my utmost desire to bring parties with differing views on a single commonality to ensure peace and harmony in the country and surmount the challenges facing us. Our conscience is clear and I am hopeful of achieving success,” said Zardari.
The PPP Chairperson said at their meeting they discussed problems facing both Sindh and Karachi and agreed to tackle them in a comprehensive manner by turning a new leaf in their mutual relationship. He also pointed out his visit to Nine Zero and the laying of wreath on Benazir Bhutto grave in Naudero by MQM delegation.
Zardari said PPP,MQM and ANP were three big political forces in Karachi and they will sit down to resolve multifarious problems of the port city and promote social cohesion, peace and harmony.
Endorsing the views of Asif Zardari, the MQM Chief said PPP was the largest political party of the country and PML-N the second largest and they have their own political thinking but they could resolve their differences only through negotiations.
Appealing to PML-N on the issue of judiciary, he asked the party to bring about some flexibility in its stated position in the larger interest of the country so that this thorny matter could be resolved amicably.
“ The matter could be settled on the basis of give and take and even if the deadline of May 12 is extended by few more days to allow a lasting solution in the interest of the country I think this would be the biggest service to the nation,” Altaf said.
Responding to a question, the MQM leader said his party holds no grudge against any party and desired all parties contribute to the consolidation of democracy and the strengthening of institutions in the country.