UN man in Pakistan kidnap video

The UN agency has been working for many years in the region with refugees

Kidnappers who seized a senior United Nations official in Pakistan have released a video of him appealing for his freedom.

John Solecki, who works for UN refugee agency UNHCR, was taken from his vehicle in Quetta on 2 February by attackers who killed his driver.

In the video, the blindfolded official urges the UN to secure his release.

Last week a group called the Balochistan Liberation United Front (BLUF) said it was holding Mr Solecki.

The video was sent to local media outlets.

"I am not feeling well, I am sick and in trouble," Mr Solecki is seen saying. "Please help solve the problems soon so I can gain my release."

Quetta is capital of Balochistan, where insurgents have been fighting for more autonomy. BLUF is a previously unknown separatist group.

The Taleban are also active in the area, which borders Afghanistan.

The UNHCR has been working for years in Quetta with refugees from Afghanistan.

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