I AM writing to voice my deep concern over the lack of open investigation into the abduction and disappearance of Dr Lutfullah Kakakhel, vice chancellor of Kohat University of Science and Technology.

I am told that Dr Kakakhel was abducted on Nov 6 and that no case has been lodged regarding his disappearance.

I am shocked to hear that NWFP authorities have not taken decisive action to search for him, or investigated the area in which he was abducted, though they claim that the perpetrators are unidentifiable.

The area, Darra Adam Khel, remains under the tight control of security forces since operations there two months ago.

Furthermore, I am told that the area's federal government representative and the governor of the NWFP have both advised the family not to register a case with the police.

Both have claimed that efforts are being made to locate the doctor outside of the law. I consider the response of the authorities, and the political interference with the legal process highly questionable.

Please intervene to bring this case into the open and to launch a lawful investigation that will ensure the safe recovery of Dr Lutfullah Kakakhel, and criminal sanctions against those responsible for his abduction.

MARIAM SALEH KHAN

Germany