Islamabad / Mirpur (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) |: Rukhsar Ahmed, a former Pakistani state minister and senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N), has reportedly won a seat in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) elections while remaining on police bail in the United Kingdom in connection with an ongoing investigation into rape, child sexual abuse, and child trafficking allegations.
According to media reports, Ahmed was re-elected in last week’s PoK elections despite facing a criminal investigation by the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in the UK. The allegations relate to the alleged abuse of young girls connected to care homes in Manchester during the early 1990s.
Arrested in the UK in 2024
According to reports, Rukhsar Ahmed was arrested at Manchester Airport on July 18, 2024, after returning to the United Kingdom.
Police questioned him on suspicion of:
- Rape
- Child sexual abuse
- Trafficking children in care
- Alleged involvement in an organized grooming gang
The investigation reportedly stems from allegations made by at least two women, who claim they were sexually abused and trafficked by Ahmed when they were minors.
The broader investigation concerns allegations made by multiple women regarding abuse in children’s care homes in the Rusholme area of Manchester during the early 1990s, when Ahmed was reportedly in his late twenties.
Contested Election While on Police Bail
According to reports published by The Guardian, Ahmed was expected to answer police bail at a Manchester police station last month.
However, his legal representatives reportedly informed authorities that he was too unwell to travel by air.
Despite that explanation, photographs and videos shared on social media allegedly showed Ahmed actively participating in election rallies and campaign events in Mirpur, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, during the same period.
He subsequently won the election and returned to public office after remaining out of office for nearly five years.
Political Background
Rukhsar Ahmed is affiliated with the Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N), the political party led by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He previously served as a minister in various governments from 2006 until 2021, when he lost his legislative seat.
His recent electoral victory marks his return to politics despite the ongoing criminal investigation in the United Kingdom.
Travel Restrictions Not Imposed
According to media reports, the Greater Manchester Police had sought stricter bail conditions to restrict Ahmed’s international travel while the investigation continued.
However, a UK judge reportedly declined to impose additional travel restrictions at that time, allowing him to leave the country while remaining subject to police bail conditions.
Possible Legal Consequences
Ahmed is expected to respond to his police bail requirements in the coming weeks.
If he fails to appear before UK authorities as required, the Greater Manchester Police could:
- Issue a warrant for his arrest.
- Seek his extradition from Pakistan.
Legal experts note that any extradition request could become diplomatically sensitive given the political circumstances and Ahmed’s elected status.
Investigation Continues
The criminal investigation remains ongoing, and no court has convicted Rukhsar Ahmed of the allegations. Under UK law, he remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Authorities continue to investigate allegations involving multiple complainants connected to historical child sexual abuse cases in Manchester.
The case has attracted significant attention in both the United Kingdom and Pakistan, raising questions about cross-border legal cooperation, political accountability, and the handling of historical child abuse investigations involving public figures.
