Rukhsar Ahmed, a newly elected member of the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly representing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has firmly rejected accusations of involvement in grooming gang activities in the United Kingdom. The allegations surfaced following his arrest at Manchester airport in July 2024 on suspicion of raping and trafficking at least two underage girls from care homes in Rusholme during the 1990s.
Ahmed, who previously served as a minister in Azad Kashmir, was released on bail and returned to Pakistan nearly two months ago. He missed a scheduled police appointment in the UK, citing illness as the reason for being unable to travel back. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, he categorically denied all charges and emphasized that he would address the issue through proper legal channels. He also stated that, on legal advice, he would refrain from further comments while investigations continue.
Notably, Ahmed secured his legislative seat on the PML-N ticket just two weeks ago during the first phase of the ongoing elections. Over the weekend, a reporter from a UK publication met with Ahmed at his office in Khari Sharif, Mirpur district. During the encounter, the 61-year-old lawmaker said he intended to return to the UK to comply with bail conditions but did not specify a date. He expressed frustration over media coverage in the UK and Europe, stressing that he has neither been charged nor convicted.
When directly questioned about the rape allegations involving two underage girls, Ahmed declined to respond, urging the reporter to cease questioning him on the matter. He reiterated his innocence and distanced himself from the accusations.
Ahmed held ministerial positions in various Azad Kashmir governments from 2006 until he lost his seat in 2021. The ongoing investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) concerns multiple allegations of child sexual abuse at care homes in Rusholme during the early 1990s, when Ahmed was in his late 20s. GMP had sought to impose travel restrictions on Ahmed as part of his bail conditions, but a judge denied these stricter measures in July 2024.
Ahmed was arrested on July 18, 2024, at Manchester airport in connection with these historical abuse claims. Authorities expect him to respond to police bail within the next six weeks. Failure to do so could result in an arrest warrant or extradition proceedings. Greater Manchester Police have declined to comment on the case, citing policy not to discuss individual investigations.
