London’s 2010 Murder Mystery Solved: Man Convicted in Pakistan
Nearly a decade after Dr Imran Farooq was brutally murdered outside his home in Edgware, north London, justice has finally caught up. Pakistani national Mohsin Ali Syed, 35, was convicted in Islamabad for the murder and conspiracy to kill Dr Farooq.
Groundbreaking UK-Pakistan Police Team-Up Cracks Case
This milestone came thanks to an unprecedented collaboration between the UK and Pakistan. The Metropolitan Police shared evidence gathered over years with Pakistani prosecutors, leading to a successful joint prosecution.
The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command worked tirelessly—scrutinising thousands of hours of CCTV, interviewing over 4,000 witnesses, and analysing 4,500 exhibits. Their perseverance identified two suspects responsible for the savage killing. The second suspect, Muhammad Kashif Khan Kamran, 40, was convicted in absentia and remains on the run.
“I am pleased that one of the men we identified as responsible for Dr Imran Farooq’s murder has finally been brought to justice,” said Commander Richard Smith of the Met.
“This would not have been possible without our relentless team’s dedication over nearly ten years.”
How The Murder Unfolded and the Investigation’s Breakthrough
On September 16, 2010, Dr Farooq returned home when two attackers armed with a brick and knives struck him down. A senior figure in the Pakistani political party Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), his killing was suspected to be politically motivated.
Initial evidence was scarce—few witnesses and no CCTV showing the killers at the scene. Detectives combed through extensive footage from local areas including Edgware Underground and Station Road. The breakthrough came spotting a man wearing a unique cap following Dr Farooq on the day of the murder.
- The man used a cashpoint linked to Mohsin Ali Syed’s bank account.
- Syed’s landlord reported him missing and confirmed a friend named ‘Kamran’ had stayed at Syed’s flat shortly before the murder.
- Investigators confirmed Kamran was also studying nearby and had listed Syed’s address.
- CCTV showed the two men together days before the attack, with Syed buying knives matching murder weapons.
- Flight records proved both fled to Pakistan hours after the crime.
Justice Served: Life Sentence and Ongoing Hunt for Second Killer
In 2015, Pakistani authorities arrested Syed and others. After years of legal wrangling and a special mutual legal assistance deal between the UK and Pakistan—new laws even ensured Syed avoided the death penalty—the trial secured a life sentence for Syed in 2020.
Kamran was convicted in absentia and remains wanted.
Christian Turner, UK High Commissioner to Pakistan, said: “This conviction shows the power of law agencies in both countries working as one to bring justice for Dr Farooq.”
The ten-year investigation stands as a testament to international police cooperation, relentless detective work, and a vow never to let a cold case remain unsolved. Dr Farooq’s family, who showed immense strength and patience throughout, can finally find some peace.
