KARACHI: After a meeting with Interior Minister Rehman Malik in London on Thursday, Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain urged opposition parties not to act in a manner that may affect the democratic process in the country.

According to a statement issued by the MQM, Mr Malik handed over a letter from President Asif Ali Zardari to Mr Hussain. The president thanked the Muttahida chief for his cooperation and support for the democratic system.

Without naming the PML-N or Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf which have announced rallies and demonstrations in Lahore against the government, Mr Hussain said it was a democratic right of opposition parties to disagree with government’s policies and hold protests, but they should not go to an extent which ultimately would affect the democratic process and tarnish its image at the international level, particularly at a time when the country was facing internal and external threats.

“In the given situation, opposition parties should wait for their turn till the next elections.” He urged the government to constitute an election commission in consultation with all political parties and take all possible steps to hold free and fair elections in the country.

“Effective measures should also been taken to improve the performance of state institutions, tide over power and gas shortages and address issues confronting the masses.”

The MQM chief assured President Zardari of his full cooperation in stabilising the democratic system. He praised Mr Malik for his efforts to restore peace in Karachi and eliminate terrorism from the country.

The interior minister said the PPP valued Mr Hussain’s role in promoting democracy and stability of democratic institutions in the country. He expressed the hope that the government would complete its tenure and people would never accept the ‘rejected elements’.