Pakistan has firmly rejected the United Kingdom’s request to accept the return of a key figure from the Rochdale grooming gang. The message came during a recent meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband in London.
According to reports, Dar made it clear that no existing law or bilateral mechanism allows Pakistan to take back individuals like Shabir Ahmed. Ahmed, now 73, was released last month after serving 14 years of a 22-year sentence for 30 child rape offences. He remains a convicted child rapist on the sex offenders register.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has already announced plans to change long-standing immigration laws. The aim is to close a loophole that previously stopped the Home Office from deporting Ahmed even after he was stripped of British citizenship. Pakistan, however, insists he renounced his Pakistani citizenship years ago and has lived almost his entire life in Britain. Officials argue he is therefore Britain’s responsibility.
Sources familiar with the talks said the Pakistani side told British officials there is simply no legislation or formal process under which they can accept him. One source stressed that Shabir Ahmed’s case is different because he is a convicted child rapist and no treaty exists between the two countries for exchanging or extraditing sex offenders.
Miliband reportedly raised the case personally and explained why the UK government wants Ahmed removed. Pakistani officials acknowledged the political pressure and domestic concerns in Britain. They agreed to consider the request but also asked the UK to understand Pakistan’s position and its own concerns.
Those concerns have previously included calls for Britain to hand over certain Pakistani dissidents living in the UK. A formal statement after the meeting avoided any mention of Ahmed. Instead it focused on strengthening bilateral ties and setting up a structured mechanism for future talks between the two foreign ministries.
Pakistan has also warned it could limit cooperation on returning illegal migrants if Britain tries to force the issue. Officials are said to be unhappy about earlier suggestions of possible visa restrictions or cuts to aid linked to this case.
The standoff leaves the UK facing a difficult path. Changing domestic immigration rules may not be enough if the receiving country continues to refuse. For now, the Rochdale rapist remains in Britain while both sides dig in on their legal and political positions.
