KARACHI: Federal Minister for Interior, Rehman Malik met with MQM founder and leader Altaf Husain in London.

Overall political situation in the country, coalition between MQM-PPP and the situation in Karachi also came under discussion among various other issues.

Rehman Malik also briefed Altaf Hussain about the Pak-America strategic dialogue, situation in the region.

He also informed about the steps being taken for the restoration of law and order in Karachi after the Sher Shah carnage and about the action being taken against criminal elements in Karachi.

Altaf Hussain expressed deep concerns about the soaring oil prices, rapid increase in prices of commodities and load shedding of electricity and natural gas. He said that the public was greatly disturbed and hence the government must pay serious attention towards solving these problems.

He said that in order to bring lasting peace in Karachi, indiscriminate action against land mafia, drug mafia, extortion mafia and weapons mafia was essential.

“The perpetrators of Sher Shah Carnage must be arrested and justice should be brought to the affected shopkeepers,” he added.

Members of the Coordination Committee expressed dismay at the fact that the reservations of MQM regarding the affairs of the coalition government were not removed despite repeated assurances.

Rehman Malik assured that all the reservations of MQM will be removed. He said MQM and PPP will work closer together for strengthening democracy and solving problems for the public.

Altaf Hussain appreciated Rehman Malik’s efforts for eliminating corruption in the country.

Rehman Malik expressed condolence on behalf of the President and Prime Minister at the tragic death of MQM Convener Dr. Imran Farooq and said that the government would extend full cooperation for the burial arrangements in Karachi. – Agencies