KARACHI - Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder and leader Altaf Hussain has said that he and his party have proposed the name of PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari for the presidential slot candidature. He appealed to Asif Ali Zardari, his friends, and all political parties to sincerely consider Zardari for the presidency. He hoped that doing so would give solace to the departed soul of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. According to him, he is justified in advancing his proposals as Zardari represents a small province and his candidature would meet the demands of current situation. He hoped that Zardari and all political parties would consider his proposal with respect to nominating Zardari for the presidency. He also commended the efforts made by Zardari to resolve the issue of impeachment of the President with harmony. Altaf felicitated the former President Gen (r) Musharraf over his decision to resign and save the country from crises and politics of confrontation. Referring to the struggle and sacrifices rendered by Zardari, he said that he, after the demise of slain PPP leader Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had demonstrated patience and tolerance besides uniting the PPP and the party activists, who were enraged in the wake of assassination of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, adding that it was Zardari who on this sensitive moment raised the slogans of "Pakistan wanted" and thus pacified the PPP workers. Abrar Saeed from Islamabad adds: Asif Zardari has thanked Altaf Hussain, Chief of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), for his positive role in the political developments of the last few days, which led to the resignation of President Pervez Musharraf. "Altaf Hussain and MQM have played a crucial role in the mediation efforts and ensuring a peaceful exit for the former president," he said. "These efforts for strengthening democracy in Pakistan are commendable and must be appreciated," he added. He said that he was thankful to all the democratic forces of the country, including MQM, which had helped the coalition government achieve its key objective of forcing President Musharraf to resign. In a statement issued here Monday, the PPP Co-Chairman said that it was indeed a momentous day for democracy and the people of Pakistan, as the political forces had been able to roll back the remains of dictatorship. "This return to democracy has seen some very violent moments including the most unfortunate one of assassination of Mohtarma Shaheed Benazir Bhutto". He reminded that Benazir Bhutto had always said that democracy was the best revenge and that it had, once again, proved true that democracy could bring change through peaceful means. Agencies add: A major opposition party on Wednesday backed PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari to become country's next president, as the power struggle following the resignation of Pervez Musharraf intensified. Asif Zardari leads the largest party in the ruling coalition, whose drive to impeach Musharraf persuaded the stalwart US ally to quit Monday after nine years in power. Zardari has played down speculation that he covets the presidency, which his PPP and its allies have vowed to strip of its power. However, opposition backing will strengthen his hand in a struggle with coalition partner Nawaz Sharif over a compromise candidate to fill the post and the even more urgent issue of restoring judges purged by the former army strongman. A leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Haider Razvi, said it wanted Zardari as president because of his past sacrifices and for his 'wisdom and vision' in handling Musharraf's ouster. The MQM, a strong backer of Musharraf, is the second-largest opposition group in Parliament. Razvi called for a president from outside Punjab and said Zardari - a Sindhi - was 'most eligible' for the job. "He is a strong believer in the federation," Razvi said.