September 04, 2007	Tuesday	Sha'aban 21, 1428

KARACHI, Sept 3: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has favoured the continuation of political dialogue in order to end the atmosphere of confrontation in the country.

A unanimous decision to this effect was taken during a meeting of the party’s coordination committee held in London on Sunday.

According to a press release issued here on Monday, MQM chief Altaf Hussain presided over the meeting which was attended by convenor Dr Imran Farooq and other members, including those arriving from Karachi.

However, there was no announcement whether the party would support the re-election of Gen Pervez Musharraf as president from the sitting assemblies with or without uniform.

The meeting was called to decide the party’s future line of action in the backdrop of the stalled talks between Pakistan People’s Party chairperson Benazir Bhutto and President Musharraf’s emissaries.

Even though, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement did not name any specific party for the continuation of talks, it is widely believed that it wanted a meaningful government-PPP dialogue.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement discussed the political situation, forthcoming presidential polls, its preparation to contest next general elections and organisational matters.

The meeting was informed about details of the party’s contacts with ruling Pakistan Muslim League chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and other political parties.

The participants of the meeting agreed that the dialogue process should continue and all political parties should sit together for taking the country out of the existing crises.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Hussain said the Muttahida Qaumi Movement wanted to eliminate the feudal system for which it was struggling in a peaceful and democratic manner as it wanted a liberal and democratic Pakistan.

The meeting noted that the party would continue its positive role in strengthening the democratic system in the country.