STIRLING MAN SHAHRYAR AHMAD MURDER: JUSTICE FINALLY SERVED IN PAKISTAN
In a significant development that has brought long-awaited justice to a grieving Stirling family, four men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the kidnapping and murder of Shahryar Ahmad, a four-year-old boy whose tragic death occurred in Pakistan nearly five years ago.The case dates back to August 2014, when Shahryar was abducted outside his grandmother’s residence in Faisalabad.
The abduction was reportedly part of an extortion attempt, which tragically culminated in the young boy being taken to a remote village approximately 30 miles away, where he was murdered.
It was a harrowing ordeal for Shahryar’s family, particularly his parents, Iftikhar Ahmad and Eram Jamil, who tirelessly campaigned for justice.
Their efforts were bolstered by support from Stirling MP Stephen Kerr, who, along with over 60 Members of Parliament from various parties, actively lobbied authorities and officials to expedite the investigation and prosecution.
The pursuit of justice was further supported by a dedicated unit within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which played a crucial role in coordinating efforts across borders.
The case drew considerable attention, not only because of the heinous nature of the crime but also due to the persistent advocacy by Shahryar’s family and their supporters.
Throughout the legal process, Iftikhar Ahmad demonstrated remarkable resilience.
He traveled multiple times to Pakistan, protesting outside the Pakistan consulate in Glasgow and urging authorities to investigate the killing thoroughly.
His determination was driven by a desire to see those responsible held accountable, despite the risks involved.
In a recent statement, Iftikhar expressed the profound impact of losing his child, acknowledging that the pain would never fully fade.
He also recounted the threats and intimidation he faced from the accused and their associates, including verbal threats during court proceedings and a physical attack on his cousin, Omar Farook, outside the courtroom.
Despite these challenges, Iftikhar credited the efforts of Stephen Kerr and his team for their unwavering support and dedication.
Kerr emphasized that the culmination of the campaign was due to multiple factors, including a pivotal meeting with the Chief Justice of Pakistan in Westminster last November, and a concerted effort by numerous MPs who signed a letter to the Chief Justice, advocating for justice.
Additional diplomatic efforts involved lobbying Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan, Punjab’s Governor, and former Glasgow MP Mohammed Sarwar.
Kerr highlighted that the process was a highly professional operation, involving key figures from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, including Asia Minister Mark Field and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, as well as personnel on the ground in Pakistan.
In the summer of 2018, Iftikhar, who has resided in Stirling for 25 years and works as a taxi driver, was reunited with his wife Eram Jamil, a bank manager in Pakistan, along with their children Anabia and Mohid.
He is now planning to start a travel agency business, aiming to rebuild his life after the tragedy.
Stirling’s community has shown immense support for the family, reflecting the city’s character as a welcoming and compassionate place.
Kerr concluded by praising the residents of Stirling for their kindness and solidarity, emphasizing that the community’s support has been vital throughout this difficult journey.
