Islamabad/London – Pakistan has made an offer to the United Kingdom, offering to accept the convicted members of the British Pakistani Rochdale grooming gangs in exchange for the extradition of two high-profile political dissidents.
The proposal has been tabled at a meeting between Mohsin Naqvi, the Interior Minister of Pakistan, and the British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott.
While official statements focused on general security cooperation, sources close to the negotiations revealed the core of the talks: a quid pro quo swap to address issues critical to both nations.
The Proposed Swap
The UK Home Office has long been unable to deport the UK citizens of the Rochdale grooming gang, which was found guilty of organized child sexual abuse, because they were also stateless since Pakistan refused to recognize them as citizens of its own.
Pakistan is now proposing to change its stance and give these convicted sex offenders travel documents. This would be a significant domestic political win on the part of the UK government, which has been facing a lot of pressure to deport the gang members.
In retaliation, Islamabad is urging the urgent extradition of the two most vile critics of the Pakistani military establishment who are living in the UK: Shahzad Akbar, an ex-federal minister and a licensed barrister, and Adil Raja, a retired army major and a famous YouTuber.
Interior Minister Naqvi formally submitted extradition forms of the two men, accusing them of organizing anti-state propaganda on British soil.
“No country can allow slander and defamation against state institutions from those sitting abroad,” the minister said. Naqvi also said that Pakistan would welcome British cooperation for the return of those who “spread anti-Pakistan propaganda”.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
Under British law, the possible swap is met with immediate and notable challenges. UK judges are strictly prohibited from endorsing extradition in case the request is considered to be political, or the person is facing danger of persecution, torture, or prolonged imprisonment after coming back.
The suggested deal places the British government in a challenging situation, balancing between the political advantage of deporting the convicted sex offenders and the legal duty of offering political refuge on its territory.
Reaction of Akbar and Raja
Akbar and Raja both have expressed deep reservations that the extradition demand is politically vengeful over their criticism of the dominant military establishment in Pakistan, especially over the growing strength of the Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.
“It has become increasingly clear that my publications, broadcasts, and political commentary on human rights abuses in Pakistan, the rise of authoritarianism, unconstitutional amendments, and the current impasse over military appointments have deeply angered the regime.”
Tagging Marriott as well as the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), he said, “I urge you to note that, as I have repeatedly stated, the worst forms of retaliation have already been used against me, including the abduction of my family members in Pakistan and an acid attack against me here in the UK.”
“I trust that UK authorities will uphold due process, rule of law, and human-rights obligations,” he added.
Raja has mentioned that his Pakistani passport has already been cancelled, and he has undergone prior legal targeting and threats to his relatives.
Responding to Akbar, Raja said, “The Pakistani regime’s standing on the world stage is reflected in its failing economy, rampant corruption, and poor governance — all of which were detailed in the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) review.”
Domestic Pressure and External Amplification
The destiny of the Rochdale gang members has turned into a hot potato in the UK. Their not being deportable has been widely covered by right-wing activists and has lately gained unprecedented attention by influential figures such as tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has increased the claims regarding the scandal.
