In brief
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister has denied any role in the UK’s attempt to deport Shabir Ahmed, the former ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang. Ahmed was convicted of raping and sexually abusing girls, and although his UK passport was revoked after his release, he remains protected by the 1971 Immigration Act, which bars removal of long‑term Commonwealth residents. The law can only be bypassed if Pakistan consents to his return, highlighting limits of cross‑border cooperation. Meanwhile, victims fear his presence and political leaders push for deportation, but the UK emphasises the need to comply with Pakistani approval.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Tahir Andrabi confirmed that the country has no involvement in the UK’s request to deport Shabir Ahmed, the former grooming gang ringleader in Rochdale.
Ahmed, who was convicted in 2012 of multiple rapes and sexual offences involving girls as young as 12, was stripped of his UK passport upon release in March but remains legally protected under the Immigration Act 1971.
The law bars the removal of Commonwealth citizens who arrived before 1973 and have lived in Britain for five years, meaning Pakistan must agree to send him back if the UK were to amend the legislation.
The Home Secretary has said the 1971 Act, designed to protect long‑term residents, should not be used to shield serious criminals, and has highlighted that any deportation would be contingent on Pakistani approval.
Victims have expressed fear and safety concerns following Ahmed’s release, while political leaders urge swift action; however, Pakistan’s stance underscores the limits of international cooperation on immigration enforcement.
