Summary
- MANCHESTER – Two prominent Overseas Pakistani lawyers and human rights activists have formally called upon the Government of Pakistan to reconsider its refusal to accept the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, the convicted ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang, in a letter addressed to the Consulate General of Pakistan in Manchester.
- In their letter, the lawyers argue that this position is “neither tenable nor in Pakistan’s best interest”, noting that Ahmed is a Pakistani national who was born in Pakistan and retains Pakistani citizenship.
- Such measures, they note, would “harm thousands of ordinary Pakistanis — students, tourists, businessmen, and families — and damage the bilateral relationship.” Call to action The lawyers have called upon the Government of Pakistan to: Reconsider its position and enter into constructive dialogue with UK authorities to facilitate Ahmed’s deportation; Refer Ahmed’s case to the CCD, Punjab, for thorough investigation upon his return; Demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to protecting children and upholding the rule of law, thereby enhancing the nation’s reputation on the global stage.
MANCHESTER – Two prominent Overseas Pakistani lawyers and human rights activists have formally called upon the Government of Pakistan to reconsider its refusal to accept the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, the convicted ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang, in a letter addressed to the Consulate General of Pakistan in Manchester.
- Pakistan’s refusal under scrutiny
- Call for CCD investigation
- Appreciation for Sarah Smith MP
- Warning over Visa Sanctions
- Call to action
Syed Shahbaz Bukhari and Sayyed Shahzad Bukhary, both practising lawyers in England & Wales and Advocates of the High Courts in Pakistan, have urged Islamabad to demonstrate positive engagement with UK authorities to facilitate Ahmed’s removal from British soil. Ahmed, 73, was released from prison on 2 July 2026 after serving 14 years of a 22-year sentence for multiple counts of child rape and sexual offences against girls as young as 12.
Pakistan’s refusal under scrutiny
The lawyers have strongly criticised Pakistan’s position, as articulated by Foreign Office spokesman Tahir Andrabi, who stated that Pakistan has “no connection whatsoever with this matter” and that it is “entirely an internal matter of the United Kingdom”.
In their letter, the lawyers argue that this position is “neither tenable nor in Pakistan’s best interest”, noting that Ahmed is a Pakistani national who was born in Pakistan and retains Pakistani citizenship. They contend that “the responsibility of a sovereign state towards its citizens — even those who have committed heinous crimes abroad — cannot be disowned so casually.”
Call for CCD investigation
The legal professionals have further proposed that upon Ahmed’s return to Pakistan, his case should be referred to the Crime Control Department (CCD) of Punjab Police for thorough investigation. They argue that it is essential to determine whether Ahmed has any connections to criminal networks or has been an abettor to crimes in Pakistan.
“This case presents a unique opportunity for the CCD to demonstrate its commitment to due process, rule of law, and transparent investigation,” the letter states. The lawyers acknowledge that the CCD has faced significant scrutiny — the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has documented at least 670 CCD-led encounters over eight months in 2025, resulting in the deaths of 924 suspects. They believe that transparent handling of Ahmed’s case would address concerns raised about the department’s operations and showcase Pakistan’s dedication to justice.
Appreciation for Sarah Smith MP
The lawyers have placed on record their appreciation for the efforts of Sarah Smith, Labour MP for Hyndburn and Haslingden, who emerged as the most vocal political figure in responding to the crisis. Smith acted with urgency upon learning that Ahmed had been released into her constituency, securing his removal from Accrington within days.
Smith has consistently demanded that Ahmed be deported “as soon as possible”, calling for a broader exclusion zone to ban him from residing anywhere in Lancashire or the North West of England. She has described his release into the community as “deeply shocking” and has emphasised the trauma inflicted on survivors.
Warning over Visa Sanctions
The lawyers have warned that the UK Government is considering visa sanctions against Pakistan if it continues to refuse cooperation. Such measures, they note, would “harm thousands of ordinary Pakistanis — students, tourists, businessmen, and families — and damage the bilateral relationship.”
Call to action
The lawyers have called upon the Government of Pakistan to:
Reconsider its position and enter into constructive dialogue with UK authorities to facilitate Ahmed’s deportation;
Refer Ahmed’s case to the CCD, Punjab, for thorough investigation upon his return;
Demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to protecting children and upholding the rule of law, thereby enhancing the nation’s reputation on the global stage.
“As Overseas Pakistanis, we take pride in our heritage and are deeply invested in our country’s image abroad,” the lawyers stated. “This case is an opportunity for Pakistan to show the world that it stands firmly against child abuse and that it is a responsible member of the international community.”
