Altaf Hussain addresses party workers after bail in London

LONDON: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain early Saturday addressed party workers in Karachi via telephone, a few hours after his police interview and release on bail.

“Those who stick with what is just never have to face defeat,” said Altaf Hussain whose medical tests at Wellington Hospital came out clear before his interview with police on Friday.

Hussain said he never retreated from his stance and he would continue to say what is right, irrespective of how tough the time may be.

“Every person deserves the right of equivalent treatment…. I did not bow before forces even when my brother was arrested in 1992,” he said.

He thanked the Metropolitan police for a congenial treatment during his custody. “The police attitude was hospitable both in the lockup and at hospital,” he added.

Altaf Hussain expressed his gratitude for ‘those who raised their voice over my arrest’. “I also thank the Prime Minister who gave statement in my favour,” he added.

He also thanked PPP Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Awami Tehreek leader Tahirul Qadri, former president Pervez Musharraf and PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain.

Altaf Hussain thanked the participants of the sit-ins in Karachi that continued for five-consecutive days since his arrest on Tuesday and announced to dismiss them.

Earlier, TV footages showed Altaf Hussain waving to the MQM supporters who had gathered outside the police station as his car drove him to his party secretariat in London.

The Scotland Yard has summoned Altaf Hussain in July without making public the date of his next appearance.

The news of Altaf Hussain’s release sent a wave of joy among the participants of the sit-ins in Karachi and Hyderabad. Jubilant crowed also emerged outside MQM’s headquarters – Nine Zero – in Karachi after the local TV channels broke the news of his release on bail.

Earlier, Altaf Hussain was taken to the police station from hospital where his medical reports were said to be clear.

The MQM Chief, who has remained in self-imposed exile in UK since 1991, was arrested Tuesday morning at his residence in London on charges of money laundering.

The police then brought the 60-year leader to the Wellington Hospital for his health condition and where he went through several medical tests whose reports showed normal results.