Altaf urges British authorities to conclude investigation at the earliest

Earlier Metropolitan Police had extended MQM chief’s bail till July in money laundering case

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief ALtaf Hussain on Tuesday denied the allegations of money laundering levied against him and urged British authorities to conclude their investigation as soon as possible.

Addressing a press conference at party’s London secretariat, MQM chief said “I deny all the allegations set against me.” Altaf urged his supporters and party workers to remain calm during the process of investigation.

While deposing his faith in British justice system and Metropolitan Police, he expressed hope that the extension in his bail would allow the authorities to conclude their investigation as quickly as possible.

Earlier Metropolitan Police had extended MQM chief’s bail till July after he spent hours under investigation at central London police station regarding a money laundering case.

Commenting on the by-election on NA-246 seat, Altaf said, “The way I have come back, the NA-246 seat, which was vacated by the party, would come back on April 23.”

Responding to a question regarding the arrest of alleged facilitator in the murder of MQM leader Imran Farooq, Altaf said “I have total faith in Scotland Yard and Metropolitan Police, if any development has been made in the investigation it is welcoming,” adding that unnecessary comments should not be made as the matter is still under investigation.

Read: ‘Key suspect’ in Imran Farooq murder nailed

Cautioning against becoming a party in Yemen conflict, MQM chief said that there is a debate going on in Pakistan whether it should join the Saudi-led coalition against Houthi rebels in Yemen or not. Instead of taking sides in the Yemen crisis, Pakistan should play the role of a facilitator and push for a peaceful solution of the crisis, he suggested. “Pakistan should not get involved in war between Saudi Arabia and Yemen,” he said.



Express News screengrab of MQM chief entering London police station



PHOTO: TWITTER

Earlier today, Altaf accompanied by Scotland Yard officials arrived at the police station after a bail he had secured in a money laundering case expired.

Scotland Yard told a private news channel they were waiting for an update on the investigations against MQM chief.

Further, the Scotland Yard claimed a decision will be made by Crown Prosecution Service not the police whether to charge or bail Altaf. “Hopefully this will be done today,” the report added.

Upon arriving at the police station, the MQM chief gave his "Salam to all Pakistanis."

The police will decide today whether the MQM chief will be charged in the money laundering case or will be granted bail once again.

Earlier today, six Scotland Yard officials arrived at the MQM chief’s residence in northwest London.

Calm, confident and composed...Mr Altaf Hussain on his way for police interview this morning in London. pic.twitter.com/lglegvLcvI

— Dr. Nadeem Nusrat (@nadeem_nusrat) April 14, 2015

Watch a video of the MQM chief arriving at London police station:



Sources privy to the development claimed only MQM chief's advocates will be allowed inside the police station with him.

"The MQM chief will appeal for an extension in bail," the sources added.

Further, the MQM chief is accompanied by MQM leaders Farooq Sattar, Mohammad Anwar and Babar Ghauri.

Addressing a crowd at the Jinnah Ground late Monday night via telephone, Hussain said: “I shall take Allah’s name and go to the police station."

Read: Money laundering: MQM chief’s bail expires today

The MQM chief was arrested from his house in northwest London on June 3 for alleged money laundering and spent the night at a local hospital in police custody. He was later released on bail.

Earlier this month, a senior MQM leader Muhammad Anwar, who was detained on charges of money laundering by London’s Metropolitan Police, was released on bail after hours of questioning.

Read: Detained abroad: After grilling, MQM’s Muhammad Anwar released on bail

The 64-year-old politician was arrested from his north London residence earlier in the day as part of an ongoing money-laundering investigation. Five other men, including MQM chief Altaf Hussain himself, were previously arrested in connection with the same investigation and are currently on police bail while the probe continues.

The news of Anwar’s arrest broke after the Metropolitan Police issued a statement. “Officers from the Counter-Terrorism Command (SO15) have arrested a 64-year-old man (F) on suspicion of money laundering,” read the statement which was published on the Metropolitan Police’s website.

Rabita committee meeting underway

MQM’s Rabita committee and central executive committee have called an urgent meeting to discuss the prevailing situation as the MQM chief heads to London police station.

Background

Last year in June, MQM chief Altaf Hussain was arrested by the Metropolitan police in London for alleged money laundering.

Altaf, who was arrested on June 3 spent the night at a local hospital in police custody, where he got medical tests and a check-up done.

Read: Money-laundering case: London Met police detains MQM chief

He was shifted to the hospital after being held in a Central London Police Station for a few hours. He was later released on bail.

It was in December 2012 that the Met police first conducted a raid at MQM’s office followed by another raid in June 2013 at Altaf’s residence. According to the BBC, the police recovered 400,000 pounds from his house.