June 07, 2008	Saturday	Jamadi-us-Sani 02, 1429

KARACHI, June 6: The British Deputy High Commissioner in Pakistan, Robert W. Gibson, held a meeting with Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain at the party’s international secretariat in London on Thursday.

They discussed the political and economic situation in Pakistan, future of the ruling coalition, the “war against terrorism” and other national and international issues, according to an MQM statement.

According to the statement, Mr Gibson hailed the role of MQM leadership in national politics and its efforts for political stability and promotion of democracy in Pakistan.

He said Britain wanted to see a politically and economically strong Pakistan.

Mr Gibson lauded steps taken by MQM-backed elected representatives, especially Karachis nazim, for executing development works.

Mr Hussain said that the MQM supported democracy, opposed extremism and believed in religious harmony.

Commenting on the political situation, Mr Hussain said his party wanted continuation of the democratic process and called for efforts to settle political issues.

MQM’s Rabita Committee’s senior deputy convener Tariq Jawaid and members Saleem Shahzad, Mohammad Anwer, Syed Tariq Mir, Mohammad Ashfaq, Jawaid Kazmi, Mustafa Azizabadi and Asif Siddiqi assisted Altaf Hussain during the meeting.—APP