Political parties in the United Kingdom are pressuring the Labour Party to cease foreign aid to Pakistan and enforce visa sanctions until Pakistan accepts the return of Shabir Ahmed, a convicted child rapist and leader of the Rochdale grooming gang. Ahmed, who served 14 years of a 22-year sentence for 30 child rape offenses, is facing deportation to Pakistan, his country of birth, as reported by ‘The Telegraph.’ Despite the UK government’s efforts, Pakistan has declined to repatriate Ahmed.
Recent revelations have highlighted a three-year, GBP 153 million foreign aid commitment from the UK government to Pakistan. Richard Tise, deputy leader of the Reform Party, emphasized the need for Pakistan to take back Ahmed by stating, “Pakistan. No foreign aid. No visas. Until you take back rapist Ahmed.” Zia Yusuf, the Reform Party’s home affairs spokesperson, criticized Labour’s decision to continue aid to Pakistan, emphasizing Reform’s stance to halt foreign aid and visa issuance to Pakistan immediately.
Priti Patel, the UK’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, criticized Labour for approving a GBP 153 million aid package for Pakistan while Pakistan refuses to repatriate Shabir Ahmed. Patel highlighted the issue, stating, “The fact Labour have approved £153m aid for Pakistan when they are refusing to take back Shabir Ahmed tells you all you need to know.” Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called for a halt in aid to Pakistan until it agrees to repatriate Ahmed and other Pakistani nationals convicted of grooming gang offenses.
Yvette Cooper, the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, indicated readiness to impose sanctions on Pakistan if it fails to accept the return of the sexual offender. Cooper mentioned that the UK government would explore all available options, including sanctions, to address the situation. During a session at the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, Cooper highlighted the UK government’s success in persuading other nations to repatriate foreign criminals by leveraging sanctions.
