ISLAMABAD/KARACHI/LONDON: The British government has allowed the Pakistani High Commission in London access to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain, DawnNews reported.

Imran Mirza, the acting Pakistani high commissioner to the UK, met with Hussain at the hospital where the latter had been admitted for treatment.

Mirza said Hussain was in high spirits, adding that the MQM chief thanked the prime minister and the Pakistani public for support.

He said the police will question Hussain after he is discharged from the hospital.

Earlier, Hussain was issued the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicop) as well as a Pakistani passport, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid told reporters in Islamabad.

Also previously, DawnNews had quoted British officials as saying that Pakistani government representatives would not be given access to Hussain as he was a British citizen.

The Scotland Yard had also said that Hussain was being treated at a hospital under police custody.

Also read: London police to allow Altaf three visitors

Moreover, police had concluded the search of Hussain’s house which had been going on since Tuesday 5:30 am.

The MQM Rabita Committee had said on June 3 that Hussain had been taken by the police for questioning and was later moved to a local hospital.

Protests to continue until assurances given on Altaf Hussain's health: Sattar

Speaking to media representatives on Thursday, MQM leader Farooq Sattar said the party would continue its protests until chief Hussain’s health was assured.

He, however, said the situation in the metropolis had returned to normal and that they had appealed to the business community to resume operations.

Sattar said Hussain had been admitted to a hospital in London.

He also said lawyers representing the MQM chief would first review the situation before filing a bail application, adding that they were in contact with police and Hussain.

He said people in various cities of Pakistan had shown solidarity with the MQM chief and added that the protest had proved Karachi was a peaceful city.

“We are worried for our leader’s health and safety,” Sattar added.