Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik called on Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain in London where both leaders expressed continuation of a cordial relationship between the two parties despite their diverging paths.
Malik and Altaf discussed in detail, the prevailing political situation in the country, in a meeting that lasted over three and a half hours, according to a statement issued from MQM’s headquarters nine-zero on Saturday.
Malik inquired after the well-being of Hussain and conveyed to him a gesture of goodwill from President Asif Zardari. Zardari wanted to convey to Altaf that although the two parties had come out of their political alliance, the relations established during the past five years between them had not ended.
Hussain said 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 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 parties would contest general elections separately but there could be a possibility for adjustments on certain seats.
Malik praised the role of 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 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 Hussain in difficult times.
Hussain welcomed the views of Malik and praised his services for democracy and establishing peace in the country. He said Malik would always be remembered if he succeeded in establishing durable peace and bringing criminals to justice.
Malik offered fateha for the martyred MQM MPA Manzar Imam and other martyrs. He also presented a bouquet to Hussain on behalf of President Zardari.
