Gilani said that he was taking all political parties along in the greater national interest and without any discrimination in the governance of the country. - File Photo

LONDON: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and MQM leader Altaf Hussain held discussion on national issues on Saturday and reiterated their support for the consolidation and strengthening of democracy.

The Prime Minister is on a private visit to London in connection with the treatment of his son Haider Gilani.

Gilani said that he was taking all political parties along in the greater national interest and without any discrimination in the governance of the country.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Pakistan High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan accompanied Gilani at the meeting. Members of the MQM Central Co-ordination Committee were also present.

Gilani called for respecting mandate of all political parties. He also appreciated the accomplishments of the MQM to expand into other provinces and in this regard mentioned the Sunday’s public rally of the party in Lahore and wished it all the success.

Altaf Hussain appreciated the political sagacity of the Prime Minister and appreciated his policy of consensus politics.

The MQM leader further said that his party “speaks for all the people of Pakistan and not only those who speak Urdu”.

He said the political parties would have to rise above the linguistic divide in the greater national interests, unity and solidarity.