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Pakistan: fears mount over health of UN staffer abducted nearly two months ago

Pakistan: fears mount over health of UN staffer abducted nearly two months ago

John Solecki (right), who was abducted in Pakistan on February 2
The United Nations said today it is increasingly worried about the health of staffer John Solecki, who was abducted in Pakistan nearly two months ago, noting that there has been no information from those holding him for at least two weeks now.

“The United Nations is deeply concerned over a lack of information from his abductors on the condition of John and has reason to believe he could now be very seriously ill,” the world body said in a news release issued in Islamabad.

Mr. Solecki, who heads the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Quetta, was abducted in an attack on 2 February that also left another colleague, Syed Hashim, dead.

A group known as the Balochistan Liberation United Front claims to be holding him and has demanded the release of people it says are in Pakistani custody.

Mr. Solecki suffers from multiple health conditions requiring ongoing treatment, according to the UN, which noted that his condition is now urgent after two months without proper care.

“If he is not released immediately to receive proper professional attention in a hospital or clinic, his condition is expected to become increasingly serious,” stated the UN.

“We hold the group holding John entirely responsible for his well-being,” the Organization added, once again calling for his immediate and safe release.