Web Desk (MNN); Pakistan has indicated it may accept the return of two Pakistani-origin convicts from the United Kingdom—who had earlier renounced their Pakistani citizenship—provided Britain agrees to extradite individuals sought by Islamabad for anti-state activities, official sources confirmed.
This development surfaced during high-level discussions led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who raised the cases of Shahzad Akbar and Adil Raja, both currently residing in the UK and wanted in Pakistan.
Earlier, British authorities had requested the repatriation of Adil Khan and Qari Abdul Rauf, who were convicted in Rochdale for the sexual abuse and exploitation of 47 girls over a two-year period. Both were sentenced in 2012, and their British citizenship was revoked after their convictions.
However, just days before a UK court was due to order their deportation to Pakistan, both convicts renounced their Pakistani nationality. As a result, Islamabad declined to accept them back.
According to sources, Pakistan is now prepared to reconsider its stance—on the condition that the UK extradites Akbar and Raja.
A source familiar with the negotiations said, “If Britain hands over the individuals wanted by Pakistan, we are ready to take back Adil Khan and Qari Abdul Rauf.”
No official agreement has been finalised so far, and discussions between the two governments continue.
