Hussain out on bail

A statement released by London's Metropolitan Police on Saturday said they had released 60-year-old Altaf Hussain on bail earlier in the day. The statement did not actually name Hussain, instead identifying him as the man arrested on Tuesday - when police also didn't name him. His arrest was subsequently confirmed by the London office of his Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

Saturday's statement said Hussain had been released on bail and that he was to report back to police in July. It said the money-laundering investigation was ongoing.

Police have said they are investigating the source of around 400,000 pounds ($675,000, 495,000 euros) seized during searches of a number of London properties, including Hussain's home in the northwest of the city last year.

Major political force

From London, Hussain leads the MQM, one of Pakistan's biggest political parties, which has its powerbase in the restive city of Karachi. He is wanted in his home country in relation to a murder case and is one of Pakistan's most divisive and controversial figures. He has lived in self-imposed exile in Britain since 1992, but regularly addresses large gatherings in Pakistan by telephone and is known for his rousing speeches.

pfd/tj (Reuters, AP)