KARACHI: Facing police investigation in London regarding among other charges, money laundering and incitement to violence, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain Saturday urged the party workers to remain committed even if he is arrested by the Metropolitan Police.

Speaking to party activists in Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas, in the wake of the upcoming by-polls scheduled to be held on August 22, he said no force can apart him from his fellows and the public.

“Do not panic…remain steadfast and courageous, even if the British police arrest me,” said the MQM chief, adding that he is innocent like he ever was and not afraid of any action of the law enforcing agencies including detention.

“Time has proved that all cases and allegations hurled at me were fabricated and false,” he said.

Several MQM legislators belonging to both Sindh and National Assembly were also present on the occasion.

Altaf Hussain in his usual style said despite physically living in Britain for the last 21 years, he was ‘spiritually’ present in Pakistan among his loved ones.

He demanded the government and Election Commission to make peaceful voting on August 22 possible. “If the authorities failed to make peaceful voting possible for the by-elections, then the masses will be justified to protest against it,” he added.

The London Metropolitan police had launched an investigation against Altaf Hussain following complaints by hundreds of British and Pakistani citizens for inciting hatred and violence in the aftermath of the May 11 general elections in Pakistan.

The British authorities are also probing charges of money laundering and murder of MQM leader Dr Imran Farooq against Altaf Hussain.