KARACHI, Sept 19: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has retracted allegations he levelled earlier this month against Awami National Party (ANP) chief Asfandyar Wali Khan.At a press conference on Sept 9, Mr Hussain had alleged that the United States had given millions of dollars to Mr Khan to contest the 2008 general election.

The allegation triggered a war of words between the MQM and ANP with each party calling upon the government to ban the other.

In a statement issued from London on Monday, the MQM leader recalled that in his press conference he had said he had no proof but heard that the ANP chief had accepted millions of dollars from the US.

“I take back my words and express sorrow for hurting the sentiments of Asfandyar Wali and leaders and workers of the ANP,” he said. “I want to end bitterness because peace and stability, needed by Pakistan at this juncture, can be only appreciated by those who are giving sacrifices for security of the country.”