August 19, 2008	Tuesday	Sha’aban 16, 1429

LONDON, Aug 18: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement, which was an ally of former president Pervez Musharraf, has described his resignation as a correct step taken in the larger interest of the country.

A spokesman of the party said here that Gen (retd) Musharraf had saved the country from further polarisation because he had not made the issue a matter of ego and left office in the best way that suited him. He said it was now up to the political leadership to respond to the challenges faced by the country and come up to expectations of the people.

In Islamabad, Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Dr Farooq Sattar said Mr Musharraf had acted in accordance with his slogan of “Pakistan first”.

In an interview to a private TV channel, he said Mr Musharraf had played a major role foe political instability in the country.

“President Musharraf always gave importance and priority to the country’s interests.

He responded to charges of the ruling coalition with dignity.” Mr Sattar said the process of reconciliation initiated by Mr Musharraf should continue.—APP