MQM chief Altaf Hussain held in London

LONDON: London police detained Mutahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on suspicion of money laundering on Tuesday, sources said.



According to Geo News correspondent Murtaza Ali Shah, Scotland Yard confirmed that a 60 year old British-Pakistani man was detained on suspicion of money laundering.

The arrest took place this morning at a North West London property where police had earlier recovered £250,000.

In a statement Scotland Yard said officers were at present searching the address and they were not ready to discuss any further details at this stage.

Altaf Hussain Not Arrested: Naseem

MQM leader Barrister Farogh Naseem told Geo News that London police have asked to record the MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s statement but no arrest has been made.

Meanwhile, the MQM Rabitta Committee called an emergency meeting to discuss the issue.

MQM Deputy Convenor Nadeem Nusrat said Altaf Hussain had not been arrested and was present at his London residence.

Cannot Comment on London Police Investigation:British HC

When Geo News contacted British High Commission to confirm the news, the spokesman said that they can’t comment on the recent happening in London. The spokesperson also said that Scotland Yard can be contacted for any information as the issue is outside the jurisdiction of British High Commission.

The British Deputy High Commission in Karachi has also closed for the public.

Altaf Hussain Issue Sensitive: PM

During a parliamentary party meeting, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the issue of Altaf Hussain being detained was sensitive. Prime Minister Sharif added the government will review all legal aspects of the issue which will be resolved in accordance with the law.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has also directed PML-N leaders to refrain from making any statements on the issue.

Situation In Karachi

Violence and unrest has been reported in several areas of Karachi following reports of Altaf Hussain being held in London. There are also traffic jams on major arteries of the city.

Public transport, businesses and petrol stations across the city have been shut down.

The Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) also say a major decline of 400 points.