Pakistan is refusing the United Kingdom’s bid to deport Shabir Ahmed, the former ringleader of the infamous Rochdale grooming gang.
Foreign Affairs spokesman Tahir Andrabi told the BBC that Ahmed must be dealt with in accordance with UK law and that Pakistan has no connection with the case. The UK wants to change the 1971 Immigration Act to remove the protection that allows long‑term Commonwealth citizens – such as Ahmed, who lived in the UK since the late 1960s – from being deported for serious offences.
Ahmed was convicted in 2012 of multiple rapes and sexual offences on girls as young as 13, served 22 years and was released on licence this month. His release sparked outrage among victims who feel unsafe around him.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said the Act was designed to protect legitimate long‑term residents, not to shield dangerous criminals. She stresses that the UK must take decisive action in such cases.
Pakistan’s position remains that the decision is an internal British matter and that the country will not intervene. The final outcome depends on whether the Pakistani government accepts Ahmed and whether the UK can amend the law in time.
