KARACHI, Jan 1: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has appealed to President Pervez Musharraf to compensate families which suffered losses during three days of violence in the aftermath of the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

According to a press release issued here on Tuesday, Mr Hussain made the appeal in a telephonic conversation with President Musharraf.

He expressed sorrow and grief over the assassination of Ms Bhutto and termed it a great loss to the nation and country.

He informed the president that many offices, shops, vehicles, houses, factories and mills had been looted, burnt or destroyed all over the country, Sindh in particular after Ms Bhutto’s death.

He added that thousands of people had been affected by the violence and many would not be able to bear their losses.

The MQM chief appealed to the government to compensate the victims.

President Musharraf, the press release stated, assured Mr Hussain that he would assess the situation and take appropriate steps.