Pakistan won't take rapist back in snub to Miliband

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, August 29, 2026

Pakistan has refused to accept the return of Shabir Ahmed, the convicted Rochdale grooming gang ringleader, despite UK efforts to deport him after his prison release. This refusal highlights diplomatic challenges and existing legal barriers, including a 1971 law limiting deportations of long-term Commonwealth residents, complicating the UK government's ability to remove Ahmed without Pakistan's cooperation or legal reform.

Pakistan has declined to accept the return of Shabir Ahmed, the convicted ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang, despite efforts by UK officials to facilitate his deportation. Ahmed, who was found guilty of 30 child rape and sexual offences, was released in July after serving 14 years in prison.

The refusal was communicated to UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband by Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s foreign minister, who stated that Pakistan is not legally obligated to take Ahmed back. Dar further indicated that a formal agreement or understanding between the two countries would be necessary for Ahmed’s transfer. According to Dar, any such deal might involve the UK agreeing to repatriate Pakistani dissidents residing in Britain, a proposal that complicates negotiations.

Ahmed, now 73, arrived in the UK decades ago and has been living in the country since. His case has reignited debates over the legal framework governing deportations of Commonwealth citizens. Currently, a 1971 law restricts the removal of Commonwealth nationals who have lived in the UK for more than 50 years. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has expressed a desire to amend this legislation to allow the deportation of individuals like Ahmed, but such changes would not override the requirement for Pakistan's cooperation.

The failure to deport Ahmed has drawn criticism from political figures in the UK. Reform UK home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf highlighted the issue in terms of foreign aid, noting that successive British governments have provided substantial financial support to Pakistan—amounting to billions of pounds—yet the country has declined to accept the return of a convicted sexual offender. Yusuf described Ahmed as the "Rochdale Monster," underscoring the public outrage surrounding the case.

The UK government faces a complex situation balancing domestic legal constraints, diplomatic relations with Pakistan, and public concerns around justice and immigration enforcement. As it stands, without Pakistani agreement or legal changes, the deportation of Ahmed remains unlikely in the immediate future.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.