Former Pakistani Minister Faces UK Investigation Over Historical Child Sexual Abuse Allegations

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Former Pakistani state minister Rukhsar Ahmed was arrested in the UK in July 2024 over allegations involving the rape and trafficking of vulnerable children in Manchester during the 1990s, according to reports. Ahmed, 62, who recently returned to political office in Pakistan after a five-year absence, remains on police bail in Britain as the investigation continues.

Ahmed was reportedly arrested at Manchester Airport on 18 July 2024 in connection with historical child sexual abuse allegations linked to the Rusholme area, where he lived for several years. The investigation concerns allegations made by several women regarding the sexual abuse of children in care homes during the early 1990s, when Ahmed was in his late 20s. No conviction has been reported, and the allegations remain under investigation.

It is understood that Ahmed was due to answer bail at a Manchester police station last month but did not attend, reportedly citing illness and saying he was “too unwell to fly”. However, during the same period, photographs and social media posts showed him participating in election campaigning and political gatherings in Mirpur, northern Pakistan.

Ahmed was re-elected last week to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, representing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the party led nationally by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. His return to political office comes after he spent around five years outside the assembly following his defeat in 2021.

According to reports, Greater Manchester Police had sought stricter bail conditions that would have limited Ahmed’s ability to travel overseas. However, a judge reportedly declined to impose the tougher restrictions in July 2024, allowing him to travel while remaining subject to police bail.

Ahmed has held several ministerial positions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir governments between 2006 and 2021. His political career has also given him considerable influence within Manchester’s Pakistani community. People familiar with his activities described him as highly influential, with visitors from different parts of the UK reportedly travelling to meet him during his periodic visits to Manchester.

The allegations date back more than three decades and form part of an ongoing investigation by British authorities. As the investigation has not resulted in a conviction, the allegations against Ahmed remain unproven and he is entitled to due process.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)