Elite investigation agencies of the United Kingdom on Thursday interrogated Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain for seven hours in connection with a money laundering case, reported a Briton-based website.
The MQM leader has been summoned for the second phase of interrogation on July 17.
The agency, which investigates money laundering and anti-terrorism affairs, called Altaf at a police station in Central London and asked questions about the money recovered during a raid at his place, the property in his name and about his source of income.
Altaf said the property was purchased with the money donated by party workers and it was owned by the MQM. “Hard cash is also the donations from the party workers,” he added.
According to sources, if the property and money is proved to be legal, the case against the MQM leader would be withdrawn.
Meanwhile, talking to reporters, Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan said the MQM chief’s interrogation with reference to the Imran Farooq murder case was being carried out in accordance with British laws.
Nisar said the interrogation was being carried out in London and not in Pakistan but “the Pakistani government is constantly informed”, adding however, that the British government had not approached Pakistan for assistance regarding the issue.
On June 20, as part of their investigations into the Imran Farooq murder case, Scotland Yard raided Altaf’s London residence and seized some things in relation to the case.
Following this, Altaf announced stepping down as party head on June 30, voluntarily handing over party’s authority and responsibilities to the Rabita Committee, only to take back the decision a few hours later on request of his party workers.