LONDON, Oct 19: In a telephonic conversation with PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto on Friday, MQM leader Altaf Hussain offered his full cooperation to her in her struggle against extremism.

A press statement issued from the MQM’s international headquarters here on Friday said that Mr Hussain also condoled with Ms Bhutto and expressed his profound grief and sorrow on the death of over 100 people, including the workers of People’s Party.

Mr Altaf Hussain told the PPP leader that in the larger interest of the country, all progressive forces should join hands to save the country by eliminating extremism, restoring stability and reinforcing the democratic process.

He sought PPP’s cooperation in keeping the forthcoming electioneering process peaceful, notwithstanding the political differences among various contesting parties so as to eliminate the possibility of extremists taking advantage of the opportunity.

On behalf of Muttahida Qaumi Movement, he offered his unconditional support to defeat extremism.

Mr Hussain added that the people of Pakistan generally and of Sindh particularly believed in religious tolerance and were against religious extremism.

According to the press release, Ms Bhutto appreciated the cooperation of the local administration, especially of the nazim of Karachi, and expressed her personal gratitude and also of the leaders and workers of her party, for the cooperation.

Mr Hussain further said that he and the members of the Coordination Committee of the MQM, workers and supporters shared Ms Bhutto’s grief and sorrow and sympathised with the bereaved families.