LONDON, May 10: The Pakistan People’s Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement have underscored the importance of unity among all political forces for resolving pressing national problems.

Muttahida’s leader Altaf Hussain called on PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardar on Friday evening and the two leaders discussed the judges’ issue and the maintenance of peace in Karachi.

The two leaders said that it was imperative to keep the coalition between the Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz intact even if they failed to sort out the judiciary issue.

Reiterating his party’s commitment to the Charter of Democracy, Mr Zardari said even if the PPP had two-thirds majority in parliament, he would have tried to carry all political parties with him.

Referring to the release of Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the PPP leader said he was determined to resolve all outstanding issues confronting Balochistan, where the country’s enemies were “sowing seeds of dissension and it is necessary to foil their nefarious designs”.

“In view of all this, it is all the more important to take along all political forces to achieve national unity and resolve difficult issues together.”

Mr Zardari praised Mr Hussain for his leadership qualities and said that he had turned MQM into a potent political force, which had a ‘lot to offer for the country’s improvement’.

Referring to discussions with PML-N leaders, Mr Zardari said the two parties shared many common points, adding that they also had “equal positions on important matters”.

He said during the meeting, he had discussed with the MQM leader problems of Sindh, especially Karachi, and they had agreed to tackle them by “turning a new leaf in their relationship”.

The PPP co-chairman said the PPP, MQM and ANP had political influence in Karachi and they should try to resolve the city’s problems.

The MQM chief urged Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz to show some flexibility on the judiciary issue and said it was in the larger national interest to resolve the “thorny matter amicably”.

“The matter could be settled on the basis of give-and-take. Even if the deadline has to be extended by a few more days to allow for a lasting solution, I think this would be the biggest service to the nation,” Mr Hussain said.

The two leaders offered Fateha for the soul of Benazir Bhutto.—APP