Karachi, Feb 22: The decision of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League (N) to form a coalition government at the centre has been welcomed unconditionally by Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain.

"MQM will unconditionally support the every positive measure of coalition government which it would be taken for the elimination of poverty, unemployment, load shedding, water and gas shortage and price hike," Altaf said.

In a telephonic address, Altaf thanked the traders, businessmen, Memon and other communities for their support during elections.

At a press conference on Thursday evening, PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari and the leader of the PML (N) Nawaz Sharif said: "We have decided to work together and move together for the future of the democracy in the country and to strengthen parliament."

The press conference was held, two days after the PPP and the PML-N together bagged 153 of the 272 National Assembly seats.

"Despite all odds, both parties secured the majority of votes through the verdict of the people. We respect the mandate of the people and do not see any problem in the formation of the government at the Centre and the provinces," said Sharif.

Both Sharif and Zardari said that efforts are on for a national consensus government in Pakistan.

Sharif also said that it was decided that both parties would work together to form the government and implement the Charter of Democracy in letter and spirit.

"We accept the mandate of the PPP with an open heart and wish that the PPP completes its five-year term. We will wage a joint struggle for the restoration of judiciary and the Charter of Democracy will also be followed," Sharif added.

They have not yet named any Prime Ministerial candidate though. However Zardari said that the PPP would be happy to support the nominee of Mian Nawaz Sharif for premiership.

Asked about the modalities for the formation of the government, Zardari said: “We would continue to hold talks on issues, which were not discussed in the meeting.”

They have also agreed to take oath according to the Constitution.

When asked about his cooperation to the pro-Musharraf parties, Zardari said, "There is no pro-Musharraf group or political force in the country."

However, it was also agreed that Parliament would decide whether it was ready to work with the President or not.

When asked whether there was any change in the stance of the PML-N regarding President Musharraf, Sharif said: "We have not changed the stance on Musharraf and the people of Pakistan have given their mandate. It is better for Musharraf to bow before the will of the people with his resignation,"

Sharif further said that he does not want any help from Musharraf, as according to him, he was not capable of helping.

The PPP leader emphasized that they intend to implement the 1973 Constitution and promised to give full freedom to media, and also asked media to keep a check on the new government.

According to The News, PPP Senior Vice Chairman Makhdoom Amin Fahim, opposition leader in the Senate Mian Raza Rabbani, PPP Secretary General Jehangir Badar and Information Secretary Sherry Rehman assisted Zardari while PML-N President Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Chaudhry Nisar Ali, Senator Ishaq Dar and Khawaja Asif assisted Sharif. (ANI)