Islamabad, Mar 19 : The United Nations has expressed its concerns about the well being of its abducted official John Solecki, and is trying hard for his release at the earliest, an official of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said.

Solecki, a UN refugee agency (UNHCR) official in the southwestern province of Baluchistan, was kidnapped at gunpoint in Quetta on February 2.

The Baluchistan Liberation United Front (BLUF), claiming to hold Solecki had warned to kill him within 48 hours on Monday if the government does not free more than 1,100 prisoners.

The Dawn quoted the UNHCR official as saying, "''We are very concerned about the apparent deterioration of John''s health, reported by the group holding him... the world body was still willing to speak directly to those who have John, in the spirit of being ready to listen and to find a safe way to secure his release."

''The UNHCR is also in contact with the federal and provincial government of Baluchistan. The list of demands provided by the abductors has been presented to both the governments, which are working on it,'' he said.

He further appreciated the cooperation of the Baluch tribal leaders to remain in active communication and contact with the UN to support the release of Solecki. (ANI)