Pakistan is refusing to accept the ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang, it is understood, despite plans to change British law to allow him to be deported, reports BritPanorama.
Shabir Ahmed – who served 14 years in jail for multiple rapes and sexual abuse against young girls – was released from prison last week. The government indicated at the time that he could not be deported due to a 55-year-old law, despite his British citizenship having been revoked.
Next week, the home secretary is expected to announce changes to the Immigration Act 1971 to close the loophole that prevents Ahmed’s return to Pakistan.
However, it is understood that Pakistan is currently refusing to accept Ahmed and is demanding the extradition of two political dissidents from the UK in order to do so.
A spokesperson from No 10 confirmed it has raised the issue with officials in Islamabad. Under the Immigration Act 1971, those who arrived in the UK before 1973 and lived in the country for at least five years before their deportation cannot be removed, which applies to Ahmed.
It remains unclear whether the proposed changes will be introduced through separate fast-tracked legislation or as an amendment to the Immigration and Asylum Bill, which is set for debate in the Commons on Monday. A Home Office minister indicated earlier this week that emergency legislation could be considered.
Labour minister Baroness Jacqui Smith stated that Ahmed was among a “small number” of individuals from Commonwealth countries who came to the UK 50 years ago and cannot be deported under current laws. She also noted that Pakistan has declined to accept Ahmed, mentioning that “work that needs to happen” to persuade the country to accept him if deportation proceeds.
Victims have expressed concerns following his release, with one, identified as “Ruby,” voicing fears for her own safety and that of her children. Ruby, supported by The Maggie Oliver Foundation, stated: “The main ringleader is getting out of prison, who is well known in Rochdale, Oldham and Middleton, so even if he’s not in that area, he still knows people and has a chance to talk to people from that area and that makes me unsafe.”
Ruby also highlighted that victims had been given “false promises” and were left to “fend for themselves” due to insufficient support from the authorities, calling for legal changes to facilitate the deportation of grooming gang members.
Ahmed received a 19-year prison sentence at Liverpool Crown Court in 2012 as one of nine men convicted for crimes against five girls.
