President Asif Ali Zardari has taken serious notice of the complaints of extortion and poor law and order situation in Karachi.

Spokesperson to the President Senator Farhatullah Babar said the President directed the Provincial Government and Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik to take strict action against the criminal elements.

The President also directed the Interior Minister to proceed to Karachi and coordinate with the Provincial Government in redressing the grievances of the public and traders, in particular against extortion.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Quaid Altaf Hussain had also brought to the attention of the President the complaints of extortion in Karachi, the Spokesperson said.

The Pakistan Peoples Party respects its coalition partners and will redress the concerns of the MQM, the Spokesperson quoted the President as saying.