KARACHI: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has told Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain that the government will resolve the issue of caretaker set-up after consultations with the opposition and allied parties.

According to a statement released in London by the MQM on Wednesday, the prime minister called Mr Hussain and discussed with him the issue of formation of the caretaker government and law and order and overall political situation in the country.

The prime minister, who is on an official visit to the United Kingdom, said he would soon write a letter to the leader of opposition in the National Assembly about the caretaker set-up. Parties in the ruling coalition will also be consulted.

Prime Minister Ashraf expressed the hope that the issue would be resolved with consensus.

Mr Hussain said everyone wanted fair and transparent elections, adding that the Election Commission should act in a fair and impartial manner so that no-one could raise a finger at it.

The Muttahida chief also raised the issue of terrorism in Karachi and other cities and urged the prime minister to take effective steps to deal with the problem.

He said the strength of police force was inadequate in view of the increasing population and should be increased on an emergency basis.