Dhaka, August 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Renewed investigations into grooming gang cases in the UK involving some Pakistani-origin men have intensified scrutiny of Pakistan over child protection, accountability and the treatment of sexual violence, according to a report published by Bangladesh’s Daily Sun.
The debate has gained fresh attention following the Casey Review’s findings on institutional failures surrounding grooming gang cases in Britain. The report also cited renewed efforts to deport convicted Rochdale grooming gang leader and child rapist Shabir Ahmed to Pakistan.
Another development highlighted was the case of former Pakistani state minister Rukhsar Ahmed, who, according to the report, is under investigation in the UK over historical allegations of child sexual abuse and trafficking and was recently elected to the legislative assembly of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The Daily Sun report said the developments have implications beyond Britain and Pakistan, particularly for South Asian diaspora communities in the UK. It noted that allegations involving individuals of Pakistani origin can contribute to broader stereotyping of British Bangladeshis, Indians, Sri Lankans and other South Asian communities that have no connection to such crimes.
At the same time, the report argued that concerns over stereotyping should not prevent scrutiny of systemic shortcomings related to sexual violence and child protection in Pakistan.
It cited continuing concerns over rape, child abuse, honour killings and domestic violence in Pakistan, along with allegations of social stigma, intimidation of survivors, weak investigations and low conviction rates.
The report also criticised public narratives that attribute sexual violence to women’s clothing, behaviour or freedom of movement, arguing that such claims shift responsibility away from perpetrators and place an unfair burden on victims.
It further pointed to patriarchal notions of family honour, social silence and institutional inertia as factors that can discourage victims from reporting abuse and allow perpetrators to evade accountability.
According to the report, criticism of these issues is sometimes dismissed as anti-Pakistan propaganda or Islamophobia. It argued that such responses can obstruct efforts to address systemic problems.
Drawing a parallel with Britain’s own experience, the report said institutional concerns over racism and political sensitivities contributed to authorities failing to act decisively in some grooming gang cases for years, underscoring the risks of allowing institutional reputation or political considerations to take precedence over child protection.
The allegations and assessments cited in the report were not independently verified by IANS.
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