Pakistan Offers To Take Back UK Grooming Convicts
Pakistan has proposed accepting two convicted members of a UK grooming gang in exchange for Britain returning two political dissidents living in the United Kingdom. The proposal was raised by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during a meeting with the British High Commissioner.
The offer comes as both countries face pressure over deportations and asylum cases involving their nationals.
Convicts And Dissidents Named
The convicted offenders, Qari Abdul Rauf and Adil Khan, were previously found guilty in child exploitation cases in the UK. Pakistan has indicated it will issue travel documents for them if they are deported.
In return, Pakistan is seeking the return of two outspoken political figures who have criticised the current establishment. Authorities in Islamabad have described them as “anti-state propagandists.”
Controversy Over Swap Proposal
The proposal has triggered criticism. Human-rights campaigners warned that convicted criminals should not be used as bargaining assets and said political dissidents could face persecution if returned.
Legal experts also noted that Pakistan and the UK do not have a formal extradition treaty, which makes any exchange more complex. Extraditions involving political cases often face strict judicial scrutiny.
The UK government has not formally responded to the offer.
