Pakistani Lawmaker Awaiting UK Trial Avoids Setting Return Date

A Pakistani politician who is wanted in the

A Pakistani politician who is wanted in the UK over historical child sexual abuse charges has reportedly refused to confirm when he will return to face court proceedings. Rukhsar Ahmed, who recently secured a parliamentary seat in Pakistan while out on bail, is accused of involvement in the abuse of minors in Manchester during the 1990s.

Ahmed, a former federal minister in Pakistan, was detained at Manchester Airport in July 2024 on suspicion of raping and trafficking at least two underage girls who were residents of care homes in the Rusholme area. He was subsequently granted bail but left the UK, and earlier this year he won a seat in Pakistan's National Assembly.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Ahmed has indicated that he will not disclose a specific date for his return to the UK to answer the charges. This has raised concerns among legal experts and campaigners who argue that his political status may shield him from extradition or legal accountability.

The allegations against Ahmed date back to the

The allegations against Ahmed date back to the 1990s, when he is said to have preyed on vulnerable children in the care system. His arrest last summer followed a lengthy investigation by Greater Manchester Police into historical abuse cases involving multiple suspects.

Ahmed's case has drawn significant attention in both the UK and Pakistan, highlighting the complexities of cross-border legal proceedings when a suspect holds public office. His legal team has maintained his innocence, and no formal extradition request has been made public.

The Crown Prosecution Service has declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing ongoing legal proceedings. Meanwhile, victims' advocates have called for swift action to ensure that Ahmed faces justice without further delay, regardless of his political standing.