UK police launches investigation into Pak MQM chief's 'separating Karachi' comments

The London police are investigating complaints against UK-based Pakistani politician, Altaf Hussain, to see if he has violated UK law.

Hussain, leader of the MQM party that controls Karachi, addressed supporters from London last Sunday after Pakistan's general elections. In response to accusations of electoral fraud, he is alleged to have threatened his accusers with violence, reports the BBC.

London's Metropolitan Police said that an investigation had been launched "following complaints concerning comments made in a broadcast" by Hussain.

The MQM is facing strong and widespread allegations of rigging and electoral fraud.

On Sunday, addressing party workers from London, Hussain responded to the allegations by appearing to threaten protesters with violence, and suggesting that if his party's mandate was tampered with, Karachi would have no choice but to separate from Pakistan.

Hussain has since said that his remarks, which were broadcast on live TV, were taken out of context.

On Wednesday, the British High Commissioner in Pakistan, Adam Thomson, said it was up to the police in London to determine whether Hussain's remarks violated British laws, and whether or not he could face prosecution.

Hussain effectively controls the city of 18 million people from his MQM headquarters in north London. He has lived in the UK since 1991, saying his life would be at risk if he returned to Pakistan.