- Rukhsar Ahmed won the LA-4 Mirpur-IV seat in the first phase of the ongoing PoK elections, securing 54% of the votes.
- Ahmed is currently on police bail in the UK for allegations of rape and child trafficking and is expected to answer bail within the next six weeks.
- Failure to answer bail could lead to an arrest warrant or extradition proceedings by the Greater Manchester Police.
- In the 1990s, Rukhsar Ahmed was allegedly involved in a grooming gang in Manchester's Rusholme area.
- Ahmed was arrested on July 18, 2024, at Manchester Airport on suspicion of rape and child trafficking.
- He was temporarily discharged on police bail pending further investigation, with a judge striking down travel restrictions.
- Ahmed failed to answer bail in July 2024, claiming he was 'too unwell to fly'.
- Ahmed's political influence in the Kashmir-origin community in Manchester is notable, with associates describing him as 'incredibly influential'.
- Concerns have been raised about how Ahmed was able to contest and win an election while under police investigation in the UK.
- Some local leaders argue that Ahmed should not be judged solely on allegations until proven guilty in a court of law.
Rukhsar Ahmed, a former minister from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, was re-elected to the legislative assembly despite ongoing allegations of child rape and trafficking in the UK. Ahmed, 62, was arrested at Manchester Airport on July 18, 2024, after two women accused him of involvement in a grooming gang during the 1990s.145
Ahmed's political career has been marked by controversy; he previously served in multiple POK governments from 2006 to 2021. He won the LA-4 Mirpur-IV seat with 54% of the vote, returning to office after a five-year hiatus. His election has raised eyebrows, especially as he was out on bail pending further investigation into serious allegations.
Despite failing to answer bail in July, citing he was "too unwell to fly" to the UK, Ahmed was seen campaigning in PoK. The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are monitoring his situation closely; if he does not appear in court within six weeks, they may seek an arrest warrant or initiate extradition proceedings.3
Ahmed's associates describe him as "incredibly influential" within the Pakistani community in Manchester, with one calling him "a man of the people". However, the allegations against him remain serious, and the GMP's investigation has already led to 22 arrests related to similar cases.
As the situation unfolds, Ahmed's dual role as a politician and a suspect in a high-profile criminal investigation continues to attract significant media attention.
“Ahmed, who secured 54% of votes in the LA-4 Mirpur-IV seat, is expected to answer bail within six weeks; failure could trigger an arrest warrant or extradition. The GMP's broader investigation has led to 22 arrests so far, and a Labour councillor called his election win 'shocking'.”
