LONDON – Newly elected Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) member of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly Rukhsar Ahmed has denied allegations linking him to a UK grooming gang investigation.
The former AJK minister said he is innocent and rejected claims concerning the alleged abuse and trafficking of underage girls. He said the matter would be handled through the appropriate legal channels.
According to reports, Rukhsar Ahmed was arrested at Manchester Airport in July 2024. The arrest reportedly related to allegations involving the rape and trafficking of at least two underage girls from care homes in Manchester’s Rusholme area during the 1990s.
Ahmed was later released on bail and travelled to Pakistan. He reportedly missed a scheduled appointment with British police after telling authorities that he was too unwell to return to the United Kingdom.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Ahmed strongly denied the allegations. He said his lawyers had advised him against discussing the investigation publicly.
He also said he would address the matter through the relevant legal forums. Ahmed stressed that the allegations remained under investigation.
During a recent interaction at his office in Khari Sharif, Mirpur district, Ahmed said he planned to return to Britain. He said he intended to comply with the conditions of his bail.
However, he did not provide a specific date for his return. He said his legal representatives in Manchester and London had advised him not to comment on the allegations.
Ahmed also responded to criticism over media reports about the investigation. He said he had not been convicted or charged in connection with the allegations.
When questioned about claims involving two underage girls, he declined to provide further details. He again denied having any involvement in the alleged offences.
Rukhsar Ahmed was elected to the AJK Legislative Assembly on a PML-N ticket. He secured his seat during the first phase of the ongoing AJK elections.
Ahmed previously served as a minister in several AJK governments. His ministerial career continued between 2006 and 2021. He lost his assembly seat in 2021.
The investigation reportedly concerns claims made by several women. The allegations involve the sexual abuse of children in care homes in Rusholme during the early 1990s.
At that time, Ahmed was reportedly in his late 20s. British police had reportedly sought tighter restrictions on his international travel while he remained on bail.
However, a judge did not approve the additional restrictions in July 2024. Ahmed is expected to report to British police within the coming weeks under his bail conditions.
Failure to comply with those requirements could result in further legal proceedings. These could potentially include an arrest warrant or extradition proceedings.
Greater Manchester Police has declined to comment on the individual case. The force cited its policy of not discussing specific investigations.
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The allegations against Rukhsar Ahmed remain unproven, and he has consistently denied any involvement. Any further legal developments will depend on the ongoing investigation and court proceedings.
