Rochdale dad “shot and killed” after leaving Islamabad Airport, says MP

A Rochdale father-of-two has reportedly been shot dead after travelling to Pakistan to “surprise his family.”

Tasaraf Hussain, an overseas British Kashmiri, was killed after leaving Islamabad Airport on Monday (8 January), according to the MP for Rochdale and leader of the council.

MP Sir Tony Lloyd and council leader Neil Emmott have written to David Cameron, the UK's Foreign Secretary, and the High Commissioner of Pakistan to the UK, Dr Muhammad Faisal, requesting that the death of Mr Hussain is “urgently” looked into to “ensure the murderers are brought to justice”, and to outline what measures will be taken so the safety of those traveling in the region. 

In a joint statement, the men said: "Shocking news from Rawalpindi as Tasaraf Hussain, a resident of Rochdale, was recently killed in Pakistan.  

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and both Cllr Neil Emmott and I have written to the UK Foreign Office and the Pakistan Ambassador to look into this with urgency and outline what action will be taken to bring the murderers to justice." 

In a statement issued via Mr Lloyd’s office, relatives of Mr Hussain said: "His life was cut short in an act of senseless violence that could have been prevented with proper supervision and security measures on commonly travelled routes." 

The Foreign Office is understood to be seeking further information about Mr Hussain's death.

A petition has been set up by Mr Hussain’s loved ones, calling on the Pakistani government to “take immediate action” and “conduct a thorough investigation into this murder.”

The petition reads: “Our family is mourning the tragic loss of a loved one, Tasaraf Hussain Village Behari, Tehsil Dadyal, Azad Kashmir. an overseas British Kashmiri from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, who was visiting his homeland to surprise his family. He was brutally shot and killed on his way home after just leaving Islamabad airport. This heartbreaking incident is not isolated; it's part of a disturbing trend targeting overseas Kashmiris/Pakistanis.

“Our relative, a loving father of two children and husband to a grieving widow, is just one among many victims. His life was cut short in an act of senseless violence that could have been prevented with proper supervision and security measures on commonly travelled routes.

“We are calling upon our MP Tony Lloyd and the Government of Pakistan to take immediate action. We urge them to conduct a thorough investigation into this murder and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly. Moreover, we implore them to implement stricter security measures for those travelling within the region.

“This plea isn't just about our family; it's about all families who live in fear for their loved ones visiting their homeland. It's time for change – we need actions that will ensure safety for all overseas British Kashmiris/Pakistanis when they visit home.

“Please join us in urging the Pakistani authorities to seek justice for our relative's untimely death and prevent future tragedies like this from happening again by signing this petition today.”

To sign the petition, please visit:

• www.change.org/p/urge-pakistan-government-to-investigate-and-prevent-violence-against-overseas-kashmiris