QUETTA: The United Nations has sought direct contact with the kidnappers of UNHCR representative John Solecki to discuss his release as soon as possible, the world body said in a statement on Saturday.

According to a UN spokesman, Mr Solecki, who was kidnapped in Quetta on Feb 2, is a humanitarian worker deeply committed to helping people in need.

The United Nations appealed to the community leaders and all the parties concerned to support its efforts to obtain contact with those holding Mr Solecki hostage.

The spokesman said that on Friday night the local media released the video of a blindfolded man who appeared to be Mr Solecki.

The UN remains extremely concerned about Mr Solecki’s state of health, the spokesman said.

He said the United Nations was aware of the demands made by the kidnappers through the media, adding that it “seeks urgent contact to discuss ways of securing his safe release as soon as possible.”