Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Sunday telephoned MQM chief Altaf Hussain to discuss with him the country’s overall political situation, including matters pertaining to the coalition partners. The prime minister said Altaf’s contribution to the stability of democracy in the country was appreciable, adding that both the coalition partners would continue their efforts for the betterment of the country and democracy. Ashraf termed President Asif Ali Zardari’s meeting and the MQM chief a ‘positive’ step. Altaf praised the prime minister for his efforts in formulating laws pertaining to permission to the dual-citizen Pakistanis to take part in the general elections. The MQM chief assured the prime minister his support to the government in addressing the challenges facing the country.