Supporters of Muhajir Qaumi Mocement gather to welcome Afaq Ahmad at Central Jail before his release from the jail on Saturday. – Photo by Online

KARACHI: Mohajir Qaumi Movement – Haqiqi (MQM-H) chief Afaq Ahmed was released from Karachi central prison on Saturday, DawnNews reported.

His detention was challenged in Sindh High Court by his brother, Amjad Shafqat, and a Division Bench of SHC on Friday struck down his detention under MPO and ordered his release.

The court declared the order of his detention under the public order law as illegal.

Ahmed, who was arrested on April 3, 2004, had been granted bail in the last of the cases against him by the SHC.

The MQM-H is a breakaway faction of the then Altaf Hussain-led Mohajir Qaumi Movement (now Muttahida Qaumi Movement).

Afaq was arrested for his alleged involvement in different cases including murder, kidnapping for ransom and since then he was in jail.

Afaq Ahmed was detained under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) on November 29 for 30 days after he was ordered to be released by the court as he was either granted bail or acquitted in cases against him.

After release from the jail, he was taken to his home in Landhi area in tight security.

Later on, speaking in a press conference at his residence, the Haqiqi chief said that he has forgiven MQM chief Altaf Hussain and Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad Khan.

“I would rather die here than to leave the country,” he responded to a question.