The British government has pledged to "leave no stone unturned" in its efforts to deport Shabir Ahmed, a 73-year-old convicted grooming gang ringleader, as ministers consider a range of sanctions against Pakistan if it refuses to accept his return.
Ahmed, who led a grooming gang in Rochdale, was released from HMP Leeds on Thursday after serving 14 years of a 22-year sentence for 30 child rape offenses. He was stripped of his British citizenship, leaving him with only Pakistani nationality. However, his deportation is currently blocked by a 1971 law that prevents the removal of certain Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK over 50 years ago. Ahmed settled in the UK in 1967 as a 14-year-old, making him ineligible for deportation under current legislation.
Reports suggest Pakistan may refuse to accept Ahmed due to his previous renunciation of citizenship. Health Secretary James Murray stated that the government's priority is to remove Ahmed from the country, emphasizing that no effort will be spared. He indicated that the Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary are working on the specifics of his deportation.
Discussions have included the possibility of threatening to withhold aid money from Pakistan or blocking remittances. Reform UK's Treasury spokesman, Robert Jenrick, proposed pausing aid and visas to Pakistan to exert maximum pressure. He argued that successive governments have been "too weak" and that the UK should utilize all state levers to remove such individuals.
Government sources have indicated that all options are on the table, including visa and financial sanctions, and withholding foreign aid. Whitehall sources confirmed that amending the 1971 Immigration Act is being explored, but stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts with Pakistan. There is concern that Pakistan might be uncooperative, as they have been in previous cases.
Foreign Office insiders have warned that public demands for Ahmed's deportation could lead to Britain paying a high price in negotiations, suggesting Pakistan is a "smart operator" that may hold all the cards. Nigel Farage of Reform UK called for the deportation of Ahmed, whom he described as a "monster," and proposed suspending all visas for Pakistanis until Ahmed is accepted back.
No. 10 has confirmed that the issue has been raised with counterparts in Islamabad, with a commitment to deporting foreign national offenders.
Ahmed's release has raised concerns among victims. One survivor, identified as Ruby, expressed fear for her safety and that of her children, recalling a previous encounter with another released abuser. She questioned the continued adherence to outdated legislation and called for updated laws to ensure victims are heard.
Ahmed was convicted of sexual offenses against multiple children, groomed at two takeaway restaurants in Rochdale. He was identified as one of the ringleaders and had allegedly abused one girl for over a decade. His release conditions include an exclusion zone covering the Rochdale borough until June 10, 2034, and supervised accommodation with 24-hour staff. Two other convicted abusers from Rochdale, Qari Abdul Rauf and Adil Khan, have also been released but cannot be deported for similar reasons.
In 2022, Ahmed was refused parole due to a risk assessment indicating he had not sufficiently reduced his risks. The Parole Board noted his belief at the time of the offenses that it was acceptable to sexually abuse underage victims. His prior actions in prison, including an assault on a fellow inmate and threats made to another prisoner, were also cited.
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