KARACHI: Leaders of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) – the coalition partners in Sindh and opposition parties at the centre – on Monday reiterated their resolve that the democracy would not be allowed to derail in the country.

Speaking at a joint press conference here, MQM’s Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and PPP Senator Rehman Malik said that the two parties enjoy cordial relations and stand united in all crises in the country.

“All parties desire political stability in the country … We want to avoid confrontation,” said Malik, adding that, “In democracy, everyone has the right to protest and freedom of speech.”

He said that upon recommendations of PPP and MQM, the federal government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif allowed the twin protests in Islamabad.

The former interior minister also lauded services of the armed forces in the ongoing Operation Zarb-i-Azb in North Waziristan Agency. He also appreciated the role played by MQM chief Altaf Hussain in trying to diffuse tension in the wake of Azadi and Inqilab marches on the capital.

Meanwhile expressing his desire to resolve the issue through dialogue, Siddiqui said that his party was engaged in dialogue with the government and the protesters to diffuse tension. He said the military operation in North Waziristan was vital for restoration of peace and tranquility in the country and all political forces should stand united with the Pakistan Army at this critical juncture.