LONDON: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain was released after his bail application was accepted early on Saturday.
Hussain was taken into custody on June 3 by the London Metropolitan Police on the suspicion of money laundering.
The police source said that the MQM chief has been released on a personal bail with the condition that he would appear before authorities whenever required.
Soon after he was released, the MQM chief addressed via telephone his party lawmakers and workers who were participating in a sit-in protest at Karachi’s Numaish Chowrangi against their leader’s arrest in London. He commended the participants of the sit-in for their passion and commitment, adding that truth must always be spoken.
The MQM chief said he had remained patient throughout his recent ordeal and did not beg for his freedom. He further said that he and his party knew how to stand up to oppression.
Hussain also thanked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari. He also expressed his gratitude for the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for condemning his arrest and also thanked Tahirul Qadri, Chaudhry Shujaat and Pervez Musharraf.
“I salute those who participated in the sit-in protest against my arrest. I will continue to fight for the truth until my last breath. I respect the British law and have complete trust in the British judicial system. I am prepared to go to jail for a refresher course,” Hussain said.
The MQM chief admitted that the Pakistani prime minister had played a positive role in the matter and expressed his determination that, if necessary, he would be prepared to sacrifice his life for truth.
Hussain also thanked traders, transporters, scholars and artists for supporting the MQM during a difficult time. He also said that all former colleagues who were angry with the MQM have been forgiven.
The MQM chief directed his supporters to end their protests and concluded his speech by praying for Pakistan’s deliverance from all internal and external dangers.
