KARACHI, Sept 19: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has praised President Asif Ali Zardari for taking prompt action on certain grievances of MQM ministers and nazims.

Speaking by phone to guests at an Iftar dinner hosted by the Gulshan-i-Iqbal Residents Committee here on Friday, Mr Hussain described his recent meeting with President Zardari as “productive and positive”, and told the audience that he had informed the president of some problems being faced by the MQM ministers and nazims. “The president, without wasting any time, called the Haq Parast ministers and nazims to Islamabad the next day… he heard the grievances and issued directives for remedial measures,” Mr Hussain said.

He urged the Gulshan-i-Iqbal residents not to sell or rent out their premises to such elements who might ruin peace in their neighbourhood.

Regarding Ahmedis, he said that the 1973 Constitution regarded Ahmedis as non-Muslims but the relevant clause did not annul their citizenship. “It is the responsibility of the state to protect its citizens irrespective of their community, sect or religion,” he added.