LONDON: A prominent Pakistani politician and member of a renowned political family from Mansehra, Abbottabad, has faced trial for two alleged child sex offenses.
Muhammad Khurram Khan, aged 60, visited the UK earlier this year to attend his son’s law graduation ceremony but was allegedly involved in sexual activities with a child, resulting in his apprehension by detectives.
During the proceedings at Kingston Crown Court, Khurram was charged with “attempted sexual communications with a child” and “arranging or facilitating commission of a child sex offense.” He appeared before the judge via video link from Wandsworth Prison, where he remains in custody after being arrested earlier this year while on a visitor’s visa to the UK.
Represented by his lawyer Charlene Sumnall, Khurram denied the allegations of minor sex offenses, with acquaintances asserting his innocence and claiming he has been unjustly targeted.
Khurram believed he was communicating with a girl under the age of 17, who purported to be so. However, unbeknownst to him, a police detective was posing as the girl on the social media platform where the interaction began.
According to the 2003 Sexual Offences Act, the age of consent throughout the UK is 16, meaning individuals of any sex, gender, or sexual orientation can legally engage in sexual activity at this age.
Khurram is the first cousin and brother-in-law of Shahzada Gustasap Khan, a lawmaker for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in the National Assembly, who secured victory in the February 8 election against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
There is no indication that any relative or family member of Khurram has any involvement or connection with his alleged behavior or actions during his time in the UK.
His father, Mohammad Hanif Khan, has held parliamentary positions in the National Assembly, serving as both deputy speaker and federal minister. He was formerly affiliated with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
Khurram received his early education from Lawrence College Gora Gali and Burn Hall School & College Abbottabad. Although he graduated in law, he did not pursue a career as a practicing lawyer. Khurram has previously served as Tehsil Nazim Mansehra and Chairman of the Khaghan Development Authority.
