Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi on Thursday made clear Pakistan has “no connection whatsoever” with Britain’s stated plan to deport Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang, describing the matter as “entirely an internal matter of the United Kingdom.”
In recent weeks, several British lawmakers have voiced a desire to deport Ahmed to Pakistan following his early release from prison. The issue, however, has failed to advance because of a 1971 law that bars the deportation of Commonwealth citizens. Ahmed, who moved from Pakistan to the U.K. in the late 1960s while still a child, was one of nine men from Rochdale and Oldham found guilty of exploiting girls as young as 13.
Ahmed claims he relinquished his Pakistani citizenship several years back, while British authorities insist he held dual British-Pakistani citizenship until 2012, when he was stripped of his U.K. passport in light of his conviction for multiple counts of rape and sexual offenses against young girls. Earlier this week, Home Minister Shabana Mahmood claimed the government was working to amend the 1971 law, but stressed that Pakistan would have to express willingness to accept him.
During his weekly press briefing, Andrabi said Ahmed’s “heinous crimes demand serious introspection rather than the quest to search for extraneous causes.” He made clear that Ahmed was a British national who had spent his entire life in the U.K. and was convicted by a British court for “reprehensible offenses committed on British soil.”
As such, he continued, any decision regarding Ahmed’s release or supervision of legal status falls exclusively within the jurisdiction of the competent British authorities and must be dealt with in accordance with British laws. “The Government of Pakistan has no connection whatsoever with this matter. We cannot be associated with any decisions relating to the individual’s release or subsequent treatment under the British law,” he added.
Backing Talks
Also on Thursday, the spokesperson addressed the resumption of violence between Iran and the United States, stating Pakistan wanted them to return to dialogue. He said Islamabad would encourage both states to resume talks under the Islamabad MoU signed last month.
“While the implementation of the MoU is facing challenges, Pakistan will continue to encourage all sides to end violence and resume technical-level talks in accordance with the MoU,” he said.
Expressing deep concern over the renewed tensions, Andrabi noted Pakistan was closely monitoring the evolving regional situation and believed negotiations remain the best way to address disputes.
Rejecting the impression that Pakistan has pulled back from peace efforts, the spokesperson said Islamabad’s mediation efforts are ongoing. “We express the hope for an early normalization of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and underscore the importance of ensuring the continued safety, security and freedom of maritime navigation,” he added.