UK Trial For Pakistani Politician Over Alleged Child Sex Offences

A notable Pakistani political figure, Muhammad Khurram Khan, hailing from a prominent family in Mansehra, Abbottabad, is currently undergoing trial in the UK for two purported child sex offences.

At 60 years old, Khan traveled to the UK earlier this year to attend his son’s graduation ceremony in law. However, he now faces accusations of engaging in sexual activities with a minor, as detected by investigators.

The charges against Khan, presented at Kingston Crown Court, include “attempted sexual communications with a child” and “arranging or facilitating commission of a child sex offence.”

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Presently in the UK on a visitor’s visa, Khan appeared before the judge through a video link from Wandsworth Prison, where he is being held. Represented by attorney Charlene Sumnall, Khan has refuted the allegations, with supporters claiming he is a victim of framing. A close associate asserted Khan’s innocence and challenged the UK prosecution’s claims.

As per the prosecution’s case, Khan believed he was communicating with an under-17 girl on a social media platform, but the “girl” turned out to be an undercover police officer.

The legal age of consent in the UK, set by the 2003 Sexual Offences Act, is 16, allowing individuals of any sex or sexual orientation to engage in sexual activities lawfully.

Khan is the first cousin and brother-in-law of Shahzada Gustasap Khan, a member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in the National Assembly. There is no indication of any family involvement in Khan’s alleged actions in the UK.

Khan’s father, Mohammad Hanif Khan, was a two-time member of the National Assembly, previously holding roles as deputy speaker and federal minister, affiliated with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).