Islamabad, Jul 31 (IANS): It was in the best interests of Pakistan that peace and stability is maintained in the commercial capital of Karachi, Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said.

Gilani reiterated that peace in the southern port city was the number one priority for the federal government, Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

"I appeal to all political leaders of the country and our coalition partners to give priority to Karachi, he said.

He said it was the primary responsibility of the provincial government as well as the governor and chief minister of Sindh province to maintain law and order in the city.

The federal government is always there to give information and inputs to support their efforts. "We are even ready to help the province in its capacity building in the fight against terrorism," he said.

Gilani said the whole nation was passing through an evolution process.

"There is a media activism. Parliament and the Judiciary are also active and civil society is also vibrant," he said.

Karachi has been witnessing target killings for a number of years that have claimed hundreds of lives.