Lahore, Apr 12: MQM chief Altaf Hussain has said that in order to forge peace with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, the second largest party in the PPP-led coalition, he was even ready to join his party with the PML-N.

He said even if Nawaz Sharif cursed him, he would extend the hand of unconditional friendship with him.

“I am even prepared to join the PML-N to keep the peace. Even if Nawaz chooses to curse at me, I offer him my unconditional friendship,” the Daily Times quoted Hussain as saying while addressing his party workers over telephone at his party headquarters Nine-Zero.

Earlier in the day, Altaf Hussain tendered his resignation as party chief against his party leadership’s inability to contain the April 9 violence in Karachi, but withdrew the resignation within an hour following immense pressure from within the MQM and demands to review his decision to step down.

Addressing the meeting by telephone, the MQM chief said that the MQM Legal Aid Committee had been targeted. Altaf said that the Committee members had been staging a peaceful demonstration, but opponent lawyers attacked them without provocation.

“After the violent riots erupted in Karachi, I asked Rabita Committee members and representatives to quit their work and restore peace in the city. This city belongs to all and everybody is responsible for keeping law and order here,” he said.

On the other hand, PML-N leader and member of the Punjab Assembly, Dr Saeed Elahi has said that Nawaz Sharif did not have any personal animosity with MQM chief Altaf Hussain. Dr Elahi said this while reacting to the MQM chief’s offer of friendship with Nawaz Sharif. (ANI)