Tribute to courage of kidnap victim shot dead during his fight for justice

Malik Iqbal, 55, was killed on Friday by three masked men who burst into a house where he was staying in Rawalpindi, a city in the Punjab province.

Mr Iqbal, who was married with four young daughters, was kidnapped last year and freed after almost a month when his family paid a £15,000 ransom.

Despite fears for his safety, he had returned to Pakistan in August to give evidence in the kidnapping trial.

Questions have now been asked if enough was done to ensure Mr Iqbal’s safety amid calls for closer co-operation between governments to curb the rising numbers of kidnappings for ransom in the country.

Authorities have confirmed they are investigating a potential link between Friday’s shooting and Mr Iqbal’s case.

Police officer Mohammad Usman said two women held in connection with the abduction had their bail pleas rejected the same day he was killed.

Close friend Riaz Ahmed said Mr Iqbal had been determined to go back to see justice done, despite the dangers.

Mr Ahmed, a former Bradford councillor, said: “He was very, very determined to go through with this. It was very important to him that this would not happen to anyone else. It is testament to his courage.”

Mr Ahmed said his friend’s death was terrible for Mr Iqbal’s widow, Rukhasana, and their four daughters.

He added: “One of the brothers was flying out yesterday to go and make arrangements and he will be flying back with the body.”