KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain was released on bail four days after he was arrested on the suspicion of money laundering by the London Metropolitan Police, DawnNews reported.

Soon after he was released, he addressed his party lawmakers and workers who were participating in a sit-in protest at Numaish Chowrangi against their leader’s arrest in London in a telephonic address.

Hussain congratulated the participants of the sit-in protest for their passion and commitment, adding that truth must always be spoken.

The MQM chief said he remained patient throughout his recent ordeal and did not beg for his freedom. He further said that we know how to stand up to oppression.

The exiled leader of MQM also thanked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari. He also expressed his gratitude for the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) condemning his arrest and also thanked Tahirul Qadri, Chaudhry Shujaat and Pervez Musharraf.

Hussain said: “I salute those who participated in the sit-in protest against my arrest. I will continue to fight for the truth until my last breath. I respect the British law and have complete trust in the British judicial system. I am prepared to go to jail for a refresher course.”

He admitted that the prime minister had played a positive role in the matter.

He expressed his determination that, if necessary, he would be prepared to sacrifice his life for truth.

Hussain also thanked traders, transporters, scholars and artists for supporting the MQM during the difficult time. He also announced forgiveness for all former colleagues who were angry.

The MQM chief directed his supporters to end their protests and ended his speech by praying for Pakistan’s deliverance from all internal and external dangers.

The MQM chief was arrested in London four days ago on suspicion of money laundering. He was, then, shifted to the Wellington Hospital over concerns to his health and underwent angiography and other tests.

Having been discharged from the hospital, Hussain was taken to the Southwark police station where he was questioned for nine hours.

His bail application was accepted and he was released on bail early on Saturday. He, then, travelled to MQM’s international secretariat where he addressed his supporters through telephone.