KARACHI, Feb 19: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement will decide its future course of action whether to join a coalition or sit in opposition ‘within 48 hours’, after consultation from members of the party.

“The MQM accepts results of the general election. Our doors are open to all political parties for negotiations on any matter, including the formation of government,” party chief Altaf Hussain said on Tuesday.

He was addressing on phone from London a large number of people gathered at the Nine Zero party headquarters to celebrate the victory of MQM’s candidates.

Mr Hussain said instead of asking the MQM about formation of the government, the media should “ask those parties which also had won seats in the Feb 18 general election.” He was of the view that it was for other parties to take a decision keeping in view the current situation in the country, as ‘ego and confrontational attitude’, would not be good for the future of Pakistan.

“I appealed to all political and religious parties to agree on a single-point agenda, that is to save Pakistan from threats,” Mr Hussain added.

He directed members of the MQM’s coordination committee to consult all wings of the party whether to join a coalition or to play the role of opposition in the National and Sindh assemblies.

He congratulated Asif Ali Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, Asfandyar Wali and others for the success of their parties in the election.

Mr Hussain advised all the parties to “forget the bitterness of the election campaign and adopt a democratic attitude instead of indulging in politics of revenge.”

He said that the MQM had accepted results of the elections and all parties must also accept the people’s verdict. “Those who lost should also accept the results and respect the victory of their opponents.”

Terming the success of MQM candidates a historic victory, he thanked the people for supporting and exercising the right of their votes in favour of his party. “MQM got votes not only in its traditional strongholds but from people all over the country also voted for it, which is a proof that the MQM is a national party,” he added.

Mr Hussain congratulated the Election Commission, the caretaker federal and provincial governments and Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad for taking effective measures to ensure peaceful polling.

He said that some political parties and observers had been criticising President Pervez Musharraf and expressing fears that he would not fulfil his promise of holding elections or that the elections, if held, would be massively rigged. “Criticism is a democratic right but he (Musharraf) should be praised as he has fulfilled his promise of holding transparent elections,” he said.