ZULFAR HUSSAIN'S CRIMES IN BLACKBURN: ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT'S DEPORTATION DELAYED DUE TO HUMAN RIGHTS CLAIMS

In a case that has sparked widespread controversy and concern, Zulfar Hussain, a Pakistani-born man with a criminal history involving child sexual offenses, has finally been ordered to leave the United Kingdom after a prolonged legal battle that lasted over two years. Hussain, aged 48, was originally scheduled for deportation following his release from prison, where he served part of a sentence for heinous crimes committed in Blackburn, a town in Lancashire.

Hussain’s criminal record includes the abduction and sexual assault of two vulnerable teenage girls, both of whom were in local authority care at the time. The offences involved the grooming of these minors over several months, during which he and his accomplice, Qaiser Naveed, 34, supplied the girls with alcohol and ecstasy pills before engaging in sexual acts with them. The disturbing details of their crimes came to light after social workers raised alarms, leading to their arrest in 2007.

Following their apprehension, both men received sentences of five years and eight months in prison. The court also ordered their deportation back to Pakistan upon release. While Naveed accepted his deportation, Hussain chose to challenge the decision, citing his right to family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This legal argument was based on his marriage to a British woman and their three children, whom he wished to reunite with after his release.

Hussain had entered the UK illegally in the late 1980s and married his wife in February 1990. He was granted leave to remain in 1994 and subsequently received indefinite leave to stay in 1995. Despite his criminal convictions, Hussain maintained his residence in Blackburn, where he and his family lived. His legal team argued that deporting him would violate his right to respect for his private and family life, a claim that was supported by his appeal.

However, this stance drew significant criticism from various quarters. Justice Secretary Jack Straw, whose constituency includes Blackburn, expressed his disapproval and supported a new bid to deport Hussain. Campaigners and public figures condemned the decision, emphasizing the severity of Hussain’s crimes and the potential risk to community safety. Critics argued that allowing such individuals to remain in the UK undermines public confidence in the immigration and justice systems.

Despite the initial legal victory, the Home Office has announced plans to appeal the decision. After a lengthy and costly legal process, which reportedly cost British taxpayers around £100,000, Hussain was finally deported to Pakistan on Saturday. Neighbors and local residents in Blackburn expressed their disapproval, with many stating that Hussain’s presence would be unwelcome and that safety concerns for children in the community remain paramount.

In the broader context, Hussain’s case echoes ongoing debates about immigration, human rights, and public safety in the UK. It also highlights the complex legal challenges faced when balancing individual rights against community protection, especially in cases involving serious criminal offenses committed by foreign nationals. The case continues to evoke strong opinions, with some calling for reforms to prevent similar situations in the future and others emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights even in the face of grave crimes.