Pakistani arrested over killing of British policewoman wants to be tried at home

Published
39
Police officers escort Piran Ditta Khan, centre, who was arrested in the killing of a British woman police officer, following his court appearance in Islamabad on Wednesday. — AP
Police officers escort Piran Ditta Khan, centre, who was arrested in the killing of a British woman police officer, following his court appearance in Islamabad on Wednesday. — AP

A Pakistani man arrested earlier this month in Islamabad over the 2005 killing of a British woman police officer does not want to be extradited to Britain and is asking that he be tried in his home country, his lawyer said on Wednesday.

The 71-year-old suspect, Piran Ditta Khan, appeared before a court in the capital for a second hearing over Britain's extradition request. His arrest was the result of close cooperation between Pakistani authorities and British detectives, police said.

His lawyer, Raja Ghaneem Aabar, said the court is expected to review investigations by Pakistani officials into the case before considering a final decision on Britain's extradition request. The next hearing is due within 10 days, he added.

Khan refused to answer questions by reporters as to whether he was involved in the death of police officer Sharon Beshenivsky, a 38-year-old mother of three shot dead outside a travel agency in Bradford while responding to an armed robbery call.

After the killing, six men were arrested in Britain but Khan, who was suspected of being the armed gang's organiser, had fled abroad. In 2016, police in Britain issued a fresh appeal for Khan who remained at large despite a reward of 20,000 British pounds (about $26,000) for information leading to his arrest.

Aabar, the lawyer, said Khan has maintained his innocence during the investigation in Pakistan. He would fight to prove his client's innocence, Aabar added, saying Khan was falsely implicated in the case.

"Pakistani investigators are yet to complete their report into the 2005 crime that was committed in Britain," he said. "My client is suspected of links to that offence and he wants to be tried in Pakistan as he is a Pakistani citizen."

"His trial should be held in Pakistan," Aabar added. "My client can respond to any questions from British police via video link."

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...