Pakistan has accused Britain of harbouring a 'colonial mindset' in its efforts to deport Shabir Ahmed, a convicted sex offender and former grooming gang ringleader. Ahmed, 73, was released from prison on July 2 after serving 14 years for rape and sexual offences against girls as young as 12. He has lived in the UK for 60 years and holds Pakistani nationality, though he has renounced his citizenship.
Pakistan's Demands and Allegations
A Pakistani official told The Telegraph that the UK had threatened visa restrictions and cuts to overseas aid to pressure Pakistan into accepting Ahmed. The official stated: 'These demands are being made about somebody who is now around 75 and who has spent more than 60 years in your country. How is he our national when he is actually not our national? This is arrogance and a colonial mindset. It is unacceptable to us.'
The official added that Pakistan has concerns about dissidents and political activists living in Britain, including two individuals subject to formal extradition requests from Islamabad. 'There are people using British soil to destabilise Pakistan, in violation of several British laws, but the UK has done absolutely nothing about them,' the official said. 'Our position is that they must listen to us too. Both sides need to apply standards. Pakistan cannot be railroaded into agreeing to terms and conditions that are suitable only to the UK.'
UK Government's Efforts to Deport Ahmed
The UK government has been exploring options to deport Ahmed since his release. However, a 1971 law prevents the removal of a small group of Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK more than 50 years ago. This legal barrier has prompted calls from MPs to change the legislation.
Labour former minister Graham Stringer, MP for Blackley and Middleton South, expressed anger over Ahmed's release, stating: 'We cannot call ourselves a civilised society while Shabir Ahmed is walking the streets of this country.' He suggested that the government should 'put him back in prison and change the law that reduces the tariff for uncivilised wretches like this, so he can be put straight back in prison.'
Pakistan's Willingness to Consider Alternatives
Despite the tensions, the Pakistani official indicated a potential willingness to think 'out of the box' and 'beyond normal procedures' on the matter, but stressed that the UK must respect Pakistan's legal position and concerns. The official concluded: 'Both sides need to apply standards. Pakistan cannot be railroaded into agreeing to terms and conditions that are suitable only to the UK.'
