UK signs off £153m aid to Pakistan They wont even take back Rochdale grooming gang Boss

The Government has approved a new £153 million aid package for Pakistan, despite an escalating diplomatic dispute over the case of convicted Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed, who Britain wants to deport but Pakistan has so far refused to accept.

The decision has triggered fierce political criticism, with opposition parties accusing ministers of rewarding a country that is refusing to cooperate over the removal of one of Britain's most notorious sex offenders.

Aid approved despite deportation dispute

Foreign Office figures released this week show Britain will provide Pakistan with £153 million over the next three years.

The announcement came as Downing Street insisted it is doing "everything possible" to remove Ahmed following his release from prison after serving 14 years behind bars.

Ahmed, 73, was convicted in 2012 for leading a Rochdale grooming gang responsible for dozens of child sexual offences, including rape, trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable girls as young as 12.

Pakistan rejects responsibility

Pakistan has publicly distanced itself from Ahmed, arguing that his crimes were committed entirely in Britain after he spent most of his life in the UK.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said Ahmed was a British national who committed offences on British soil and that the case was "entirely an internal matter of the United Kingdom."

He added that Ahmed's actions required "serious introspection" within Britain rather than attempts to place responsibility elsewhere.

Pakistani MP Danyal Chaudhry also argued that Ahmed's upbringing in Britain, rather than his birthplace, shaped the man he became.

Legal barriers remain

Although Ahmed was born in Pakistan and arrived in Britain as a teenager, he was later stripped of his British citizenship.

However, ministers say they remain unable to deport him because of legal protections dating back to the Immigration Act 1971 and because Pakistan has not agreed to accept his return.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced plans to amend the law to prevent similar cases blocking deportations in future.

Downing Street said senior ministers are continuing diplomatic discussions with Islamabad in an effort to secure Ahmed's removal.

Opposition attacks Government

The timing of the aid announcement prompted strong criticism from opposition politicians.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said Britain should suspend both overseas aid and new visas for Pakistani nationals until Islamabad agrees to accept convicted offenders such as Ahmed.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel accused the Government of approving the funding while failing to secure Ahmed's deportation.

Reform UK also called for all aid payments to Pakistan to be halted, arguing that British taxpayers should not continue funding overseas programmes while deportation requests remain unresolved.

Government defends aid programme

Ministers insist none of the £153 million will go directly to the Pakistani government.

Instead, officials say the funding will support charities, humanitarian organisations and development programmes aimed at improving stability, economic resilience and public services.

The Foreign Office said helping create "a safer, more resilient Pakistan" ultimately benefits the UK by reducing instability, illegal migration and wider security risks.

Deportation remains uncertain

Despite the Government's stated determination to remove Ahmed, officials acknowledge that his deportation ultimately depends on securing Pakistan's cooperation.

The dispute has become a fresh flashpoint in the wider debate over immigration, foreign aid and Britain's ability to deport foreign-born criminals once they have completed their prison sentences.

For now, Ahmed remains in the UK while diplomatic negotiations continue, with ministers hoping changes to the law and increased pressure on Islamabad will eventually allow his removal.

The Government has approved a new £153 million aid package for Pakistan, despite an escalating diplomatic dispute over the case of convicted Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed, who Britain wants to deport but Pakistan has so far refused to accept.

The decision has triggered fierce political criticism, with opposition parties accusing ministers of rewarding a country that is refusing to cooperate over the removal of one of Britain's most notorious sex offenders.

Aid approved despite deportation dispute

Foreign Office figures released this week show Britain will provide Pakistan with £153 million over the next three years.

The announcement came as Downing Street insisted it is doing "everything possible" to remove Ahmed following his release from prison after serving 14 years behind bars.

Ahmed, 73, was convicted in 2012 for leading a Rochdale grooming gang responsible for dozens of child sexual offences, including rape, trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable girls as young as 12.

Pakistan rejects responsibility

Pakistan has publicly distanced itself from Ahmed, arguing that his crimes were committed entirely in Britain after he spent most of his life in the UK.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said Ahmed was a British national who committed offences on British soil and that the case was "entirely an internal matter of the United Kingdom."

He added that Ahmed's actions required "serious introspection" within Britain rather than attempts to place responsibility elsewhere.

Pakistani MP Danyal Chaudhry also argued that Ahmed's upbringing in Britain, rather than his birthplace, shaped the man he became.

Legal barriers remain

Although Ahmed was born in Pakistan and arrived in Britain as a teenager, he was later stripped of his British citizenship.

However, ministers say they remain unable to deport him because of legal protections dating back to the Immigration Act 1971 and because Pakistan has not agreed to accept his return.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced plans to amend the law to prevent similar cases blocking deportations in future.

Downing Street said senior ministers are continuing diplomatic discussions with Islamabad in an effort to secure Ahmed's removal.

Opposition attacks Government

The timing of the aid announcement prompted strong criticism from opposition politicians.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said Britain should suspend both overseas aid and new visas for Pakistani nationals until Islamabad agrees to accept convicted offenders such as Ahmed.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel accused the Government of approving the funding while failing to secure Ahmed's deportation.

Reform UK also called for all aid payments to Pakistan to be halted, arguing that British taxpayers should not continue funding overseas programmes while deportation requests remain unresolved.

Government defends aid programme

Ministers insist none of the £153 million will go directly to the Pakistani government.

Instead, officials say the funding will support charities, humanitarian organisations and development programmes aimed at improving stability, economic resilience and public services.

The Foreign Office said helping create "a safer, more resilient Pakistan" ultimately benefits the UK by reducing instability, illegal migration and wider security risks.

Deportation remains uncertain

Despite the Government's stated determination to remove Ahmed, officials acknowledge that his deportation ultimately depends on securing Pakistan's cooperation.

The dispute has become a fresh flashpoint in the wider debate over immigration, foreign aid and Britain's ability to deport foreign-born criminals once they have completed their prison sentences.

For now, Ahmed remains in the UK while diplomatic negotiations continue, with ministers hoping changes to the law and increased pressure on Islamabad will eventually allow his removal.

SOURCE

The UK humiliates itself on the world stage yet again.

I thought all this foreign aid was supposed to provide leverage in incidents like this. Pakistan are laughing all the way to the bank. 😄

Restore UK would stop all this.

In the UK we don't actually have a government that has a backbone. We have a bunch of morons pretending to represent the people of the UK which they 100% do not.

spendinng bilions on foreign aid which the coutry cant affiord,the roads everwhere are worn out with potholes and dangerous as a third world country, .the country plunges deeper into debt.and no iron dome defence

silly boys labour

Should revoke ALL Pakistani visa applications for the UK, and NO financial aid.

I find it strange that Pakistan is a developed nuclear power, possessing both a developed nuclear energy grid and a significant military nuclear arsenal yet the Broke British government still give them cash hand outs! For What I ask?

Pakistan has six operational commercial nuclear reactors located across two plants (Karachi and Chashma).

Edited July 17Jul 17 by Macro

I used to go to Pakistan on business, traveled often to Karachi and Lahore and the hub River Industrial area also where they break the ships on the beach. But once you get outside the cities a lot of poverty and a lot of Bedouin who all carrying guns!

even north korea gets UK aid ,what for?

and india gets foreign aid .!weird ,

Various reasons given for UK financial support for Pakistan according to AI.

For anyone interested in a brief analysis of Pakistan, its history and relationship to India, I recommend reading Tim Marshall's excellent book, 'Prisoners of Geography'.

National and Regional Security

• Countering Terrorism: UK aid funds the rule of law and counter-terrorism infrastructure. This increases Pakistan's civilian capacity to prosecute terrorists under international standards.

• Mitigating Threats: FCDO strategies focus on transforming Pakistan into a stable regional power. A stable Pakistan acts as a diminishing source of security and organized criminal threats to the UK mainland.

• Regional Migration Pressures: The UK actively invests in anti-illegal migration efforts in the region. Aid resources help Pakistan manage and integrate millions of displaced Afghan refugees fleeing neighbouring conflict zones.

🌊 Climate Vulnerability and Humanitarian Relief

• Emergency Response: Pakistan regularly suffers catastrophic environmental shocks, such as the destructive monsoon seasons and major floods.

• Crisis Funding: The UK repeatedly answers emergency appeals through bodies like the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). This funding funds direct life-saving actions, mobile medical clinics, and clean water restoration.

• Long-Term Climate Resilience: The UK redirects massive shares of its development portfolio into establishing early warning disaster dashboards and strengthening local infrastructure against global warming.

📈 Economic Interests and Trade Transition

• Market Development: Developing Pakistan’s economy opens new pathways for the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme, creating wider export and import markets for both nations.

👥 Shared History and Community Ties

• The Diaspora Connection: The UK is home to one of the largest Pakistani diaspora populations globally. Deep familial, historical, and cultural connections drive sustained political support for bilateral engagement.

• Social Equality Programs: UK programs intentionally fund projects targeting vulnerable groups. Key focus areas include combating child marriage, expanding girls' education, and preserving the rights of religious minorities.

why does the uk give pakistan foreign aid? - Google Search

They have the seventh largest armed forces in the world, equipped with nuclear weapons.

They sheltered Osamah Bin Laden for years.

Why on earth are we giving them £153 million in aid?

Edited July 17Jul 17 by JAG

Screw the aid. If he has a Pakistan passport, Pakistan is obligated to take him back. I'm sure PIA flies from London. Put him on it with a couple of police and let Karachi or Lahore put him in the airport jail.

He has had his UK citizenship revoked. I trust that means he remains in prison. If not, why not?

The aid should be withheld until Pakistan relents. All non-UK citizens should be deported to their originating countries if they have committed a crime of violence.

UK: Stop pissing around and grow a pair!

Edited July 17Jul 17 by unblocktheplanet
add

1 hour ago, JAG said:

They have the seventh largest armed forces in the world, equipped with nuclear weapons.

They sheltered Osamah Bin Laden for years.

Why on earth are we giving them £153 million in aid?

Same reason US gives Israel $4B. To keep them onside, directly or indirectly.

4 hours ago, Rimmer said:

I used to go to Pakistan on business, traveled often to Karachi and Lahore and the hub River Industrial area also where they break the ships on the beach. But once you get outside the cities a lot of poverty and a lot of Bedouin who all carrying guns!

The ship-breaking is amazing. I tried to get into Iran through Balochistan but was turned back. Yes, Peshawar--a little scary to be White there until you prove yourself to locals and they are convinced you're not a spy.

5 hours ago, 3NUMBAS said:

spendinng bilions on foreign aid which the coutry cant affiord,the roads everwhere are worn out with potholes and dangerous as a third world country, .the country plunges deeper into debt.and no iron dome defence

Defence 5555555555555555555! There is no "defence".

Just one more shining example of how weak

and stupid, the powers that be, past and present are in the uk.

Shame on them all.

Guy Fawkes, was on to something, back in the day.

Pakistan is refusing to take him back because it claims he has renounced his citizenship. It is demanding that Britain accept its extradition requests for dissidents living in the UK.

The UK disputes that Ahmed has renounced his Pakistani citizenship. Officials say he may have torn up his Pakistani passport, but claim he did not go through the full process of terminating his citizenship.

It is understood that the UK has been in negotiations with Pakistan about Ahmed’s deportation for a year. Parallel discussions over returning two other ringleaders of the Rochdale grooming gang who have also sought to avoid deportation by renouncing their citizenship are also under way.

Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, signalled that the Government was prepared to impose visa sanctions on Pakistan if it refuses to take back Ahmed.

When asked how she could secure his deportation, she said “all possible levers” would be considered.

Downing Street said it was looking at ways to put diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. A No 10 spokesman explained: “We are engaging with the Pakistan government at a senior level, doing everything possible to deport him.”

No 10 said none of the aid went to Pakistan’s government, but instead went to charities and other bodies working in the country. Pakistan has limited tax revenues and relies heavily on foreign aid to fund vital services.

Stop Pakistan’s foreign aid until it takes back rapist, say MPs

And the moral of the story is….

Don’t let them in in the first place.

I like British humour. Give away the last Penny off your pockets to the poor.

19 hours ago, Rimmer said:

I used to go to Pakistan on business, traveled often to Karachi and Lahore and the hub River Industrial area also where they break the ships on the beach. But once you get outside the cities a lot of poverty and a lot of Bedouin who all carrying guns!

Aren't Bedouin Arabs? The Pashtuns tend to be armed and have a tribal culture. They are also found in Afghanistan. Islamabad and Lahore are predominately Punjabi and the Punjabis form a large number of the Pakistani immigrant community in the UK and Canada.

Why is he still alive?

With his profile he will be a Mayor' in no time and a Green MP' as soon as his tag comes off, so you can't deport the mucker

21 hours ago, Photoguy21 said:

In the UK we don't actually have a government that has a backbone. We have a bunch of morons pretending to represent the people of the UK which they 100% do not.

They do seem to represent some folks of the UK, only certain demographics though?

22 hours ago, Social Media said:

Downing Street insisted it is doing "everything possible" to remove Ahmed following his release from prison after serving 14 years behind bars.

Ahmed, 73, was convicted in 2012 for leading a Rochdale grooming gang responsible for dozens of child sexual offences, including rape, trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable girls as young as 12.

Don't blame Pakistan for not locking him up for life.

21 hours ago, JonnyF said:

The UK humiliates itself on the world stage yet again.

I thought all this foreign aid was supposed to provide leverage in incidents like this. Pakistan are laughing all the way to the bank. 😄

Restore UK would stop all this.

Unfortunately there is little chance of Restore winning a general election unless they joined forces with Reform and that is unlikely to happen . Indeed because of Rupert Lowe creating a new party it is playing into the hands of both Labour and Tories by diluting the power of the political right vote . Also there are too many UK indigenous " do gooders " along with an increasing number of immigrants who have been and will be in the future coddled by the Labour party to retain their votes .

If Pakistan refuses to take back Shabir Ahmed , he should be sent to Rwanda etc but would probably be back to the UK in a few weeks by way of a rubber boat and disappear within the folds of his fellow countrymen s habitats that it seems is so easy to do .

22 hours ago, JonnyF said:

The UK humiliates itself on the world stage yet again.

I thought all this foreign aid was supposed to provide leverage in incidents like this. Pakistan are laughing all the way to the bank. 😄

Restore UK would stop all this.

You thought wrong, that’s not the purpose of foreign aid.

The most effective lever the UK can use is restricting visas.

10 minutes ago, superal said:

Unfortunately there is little chance of Restore winning a general election unless they joined forces with Reform and that is unlikely to happen . Indeed because of Rupert Lowe creating a new party it is playing into the hands of both Labour and Tories by diluting the power of the political right vote . Also there are too many UK indigenous " do gooders " along with an increasing number of immigrants who have been and will be in the future coddled by the Labour party to retain their votes .

If Pakistan refuses to take back Shabir Ahmed , he should be sent to Rwanda etc but would probably be back to the UK in a few weeks by way of a rubber boat and disappear within the folds of his fellow countrymen s habitats that it seems is so easy to do .

Great to see an intelligent post on here for once.

My prediction? Farage steps away for a career on the US talk show circuit, creating an opportunity for a Reform/Restore consolidated effort.

Not a merger but an agreement to step down in key seats where they split they vote and allow Labour to win.

2029. A reform/restore coalition government.

If labour win again Britain is finished. This is the last chance.

The last of my UK rental properties will be sold next week. My money will be removed before a Burnham socialist government can steal it.

My heart says the uk will be fine. My head says its cooked.

12 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

You thought wrong, that’s not the purpose of foreign aid.

You're right. The real purpose of foreign aid is weakening Britain and enriching foreign powers.

12 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

The most effective lever the UK can use is restricting visas.

Surely that would be racist, bigoted and fascist?

Or are you walking that opinion back again? 😀

Like they said.

Ahmed was a British national who committed offences on British soil and that the case was "entirely an internal matter of the United Kingdom."

If that's the case then Pakistan doesn't have to take him back .

It's a UK matter ,Deal with that

If they don't want him put the Maggot Back in Jail.

Not many Countries have any respect for the UK anymore

the UK years back were respected on the World stage and as a World Power

Fighting for democracy

Now a laughing stock only known for taking in illegal immigrants and asylum seekers plus rewarding people not to work and contribute to the British economy