London police return MQM chief's passport

Move comes two weeks after Altaf Hussain was exempted from appearing before London police in money laundering case


Rabia Ali February 16, 2016

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain retrieved his passport on Tuesday following cancellation of bail in a money laundering case earlier this month.

On February 1, the bail of the party's supremo was cancelled in the case, exempting him from appearing before London’s Metropolitan Police during future proceedings in the case.

Money laundering case: MQM chief exempted from appearing before Scotland Yard

There was, however, no confirmation if his bank accounts were also restored which were seized along with the passport after the investigation was initiated.

While confirming the development, party’s spokesperson Aminul Haque said returning of the passport was actually a proof that the allegations of money laundering were false, and termed it a testament to Altaf’s innocence.

London police had cited 'insufficient evidence' in the case leading to cancellation of bail, but it had denied that the charges were dropped.

Coming back: Britain has frozen my bank accounts, says Altaf

On October 6 2015, the leader of the Karachi-based party was granted bail for the fifth time since beginning of the investigation over undocumented cash found at the MQM London office in December 2012.

The MQM founder had arrived in the UK in January 1992 seeking asylum after he escaped the country following an ‘assassination’ attempt. He was subsequently awarded a British passport in 2002.

COMMENTS (17)

Noman | 8 years ago | Reply @Azmat Ali: Getting passport doesn't mean he is allowed to travel. He is still nominated/suspect in Imran Farooq case. Stop fooling yourself he will never come back to pakistan
Hasan Tasleem | 8 years ago | Reply Correction: "London police had cited ‘insufficient evidence’ in the case leading to cancellation of bail, but it had denied that the charges were dropped." CHARGES have not been laid on any MQM member, or any human being in this investigation, few including Altaf Hussain bhai were under investigation, but none were charged. Hence, there is no questions of charges being framed or dropped. Yes the INVESTIGATION remains open as its inconclusive. But nevertheless AH Bhai has been vindicated. So the media trail & pathetic statements shall stop.
VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ