Britain is contemplating visa restrictions on Pakistan in a growing diplomatic conflict related to the planned deportation of Shabir Ahmed, the convicted leader of the Rochdale grooming gang. Islamabad, however, has firmly stated that the issue falls entirely under British jurisdiction and bears no connection to Pakistan.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper informed the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee that the Labour Government is ready to explore “all possible levers” to compel countries to accept the return of offenders whom the UK seeks to deport. Addressing Ahmed’s case, Cooper emphasized that the British government has persistently raised the matter with Pakistan and will continue its efforts. She affirmed, “This individual should not remain in the United Kingdom. He must be deported,” expressing strong support for Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s initiative to amend legislation facilitating his removal.
When questioned about potential visa sanctions against Pakistan for refusing to accept Ahmed, Cooper refrained from announcing immediate actions but confirmed that visa restrictions remain a viable option. She noted that past visa-related measures have curtailed immigration abuses linked to certain countries and have helped secure further agreements for returning foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers.
While Cooper did not reveal details of confidential talks with individual governments, she reiterated that “all possible levers should be considered” to uphold the UK’s immigration enforcement. She also mentioned that Ahmed is not the sole case under negotiation and that the government is pursuing the return of a few other offenders believed to warrant removal to Pakistan. British officials have cited examples from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, and Angola, which agreed to cooperate on returns after facing UK threats of visa penalties.
In a significant development, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi issued the country’s first formal public response to the controversy. While condemning child sexual abuse in the strongest terms, he rejected any association of the Pakistani government with Ahmed or decisions regarding his imprisonment and release. Andrabi stressed that perpetrators must be thoroughly investigated and punished regardless of their background.
He pointed out that Ahmed spent his adult life in Britain, committed his crimes on British soil, and was tried and convicted by a British court. Consequently, Pakistan views the issue as an internal British matter. Andrabi stated, “The Government of Pakistan has no connection whatsoever with this matter,” adding that Islamabad cannot be linked to decisions about Ahmed’s release or his treatment under UK law.
The spokesperson underscored that responsibility lies with the society where Ahmed was raised and “spoiled,” regardless of his country of birth. He suggested that the crimes committed by Ahmed call for serious reflection within Britain rather than attempts to shift accountability externally.
Britain insists that Ahmed should be removed from the country following the revocation of his British citizenship. Pakistan, however, maintains that he is a British national and that decisions about his legal status fall exclusively under British authority.
Ahmed, aged 73, was sentenced in 2012 to 22 years in prison after convictions for rape and multiple sexual offences involving vulnerable girls in Rochdale. He was released earlier this month after serving 14 years. At the time of the offences, Ahmed held British citizenship but was later stripped of it. His deportation has been obstructed by section 7 of the Immigration Act 1971. Notably, he renounced his Pakistani identity prior to his conviction around 14 years ago.
Home Secretary Mahmood has announced plans to amend the law to remove protections for individuals convicted of serious crimes, including child sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and threats to national security. Nevertheless, even with legislative changes, the UK would still require another country to recognize Ahmed as a national and accept his return.
