Rehman Malik calls on Altaf Hussain in London

LONDON: Senior Federal Adviser on Interior Rehman Malik called on MQM founder and leader Altaf Hussain in London and conveyed to him "an important message" from President Asif Ali Zardari.

Threats facing the country, internal, external challenges and overall situation came under discussion during meeting, MQM press release said on Wednesday.

It was reiterated in meeting that MQM and PPP would work with more energy for national security, peace, stability, promotion of democracy and solving basic problems of the people.

Malik praised MQM Chief for promotion of democracy in the country and elected democratic government was going to complete its five years constitutional term in which MQM and Hussain had played a critical role.

He also lauded MQM for interacting with other political, religious parties, holding dialogues for brotherhood, peace, stability, mutual understanding. He termed it auspicious for the country and congratulated Mr Hussain on behalf of President Zardari.

Hussain told Malik that government would have to take more effective steps for controlling terrorism in Karachi besides ensuring internal stability. He called for steps to check profiteering and load-shedding during holy month of Ramadan.

Malik assured Hussain that government was making every effort to control profiteering and hoped electricity crisis would be relieved within few weeks.

Hussain congratulated Malik on getting elected as Senator again and expressed hope that he would utilize his abilities for curbing terrorism and bringing peace, according to MQM press release.