Archive · 18 Jul 2026

UK's £153m Aid to Pakistan Sparks Row

UK's £153m Aid to Pakistan Sparks Row

The UK government has decided to give Pakistan £153 million over the next three years.

This has caused a big argument because Pakistan refused to take back a man named Shabir Ahmed, who was convicted of very serious crimes against children.

The opposition party says the UK should not give money to Pakistan if they won't take back criminals.

The government says the money is for development and not directly to the Pakistani government.

Shabir Ahmed was born in Pakistan, moved to the UK, and led a group that hurt young girls.

He was sentenced to many years in prison.

The argument is about whether the UK should give aid to Pakistan and how to handle criminals who are not originally from the UK.

Sources