Pakistan: UN calls again for immediate release of abducted staff member

The United Nations today once again appealed to those holding John Solecki, a staff member kidnapped in Pakistan two weeks ago, for his immediate and safe release.

Mr. Solecki, the representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the city of Quetta, was kidnapped during a 2 February attack in which his driver, Syed Hashim, was killed.

Last week the UN said it is seeking information on a group called the Balochistan Liberation United Front, which on 7 February claimed in local media reports that it is holding Mr. Solecki.

In a statement issued today in Islamabad, the UN encouraged the Balochistan community leaders’ continued engagement and once more asked those keeping Mr. Solecki to initiate direct contact so that dialogue can be started for his immediate safe recovery.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke over the weekend with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, and they agreed on the need to secure the safe and immediate release of Mr. Solecki, who has a medical condition requiring regular medication.

Mr. Ban, in a statement issued on Saturday, underscored the importance of the humanitarian work being undertaken by Mr Solecki and stressed that no cause can be served by prolonging his abduction.