FOR THE ATTENTION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN AND THOSE UNLAWFULLY HOLDING ABDULLAH KAHLOON:

We, the undersigned, have been following with great concern the case of Abdullah Kahloon, a UK barrister and father of two young daughters, who is being unlawfully detained in Pakistan. Many members of his profession and the public more generally have been sharing their concerns on social media and this case has been reported on widely in the press.

Abdullah arrived in the early hours of 9th January 2024 to attend court later that day. He had been granted protective bail to prevent arrest, however he was seen being apprehended outside Islamabad International Airport by unidentified agents, in contravention of that court order. His whereabouts and condition have been unknown since. The only public sighting of Abdullah since his unlawful detention has been footage circulating of him making a clearly coerced statement saying he has been staying with a friend and has been ill. Trusted sources confirm that this is not the case; indeed Abdullah has not made any further public statement, despite extensive coverage of his case and awareness campaigns both at home and abroad.

Despite orders from the court that his captors release him, he is still missing. Abdullah is to attend court on Monday 15th January. If he is not in attendance, this will cause further alarm amongst his family, friends and colleagues internationally.

Abdullah is a well-respected lawyer and friend. He is a proponent and fighter for justice and the rule of law. His human rights are now being violated and the world is watching.

WE THEREFORE IMPLORE YOU, THE GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN, TO:

• ascertain and disclose the whereabouts and condition of Abdullah Kahloon immediately;
• ensure that Abdullah Kahloon's human rights are being respected; and
• procure the prompt release of Abdullah Kahloon by those holding him and deliver him safely to his family.