Kidnapped Red Cross worker killed in Pakistan

Ken Dale, lived in Dumfries and Galloway, murdered 4 months after being abducted.

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Pakistan pledge to bring aid worker killers to justice

Khalil Dale was kidnapped and murdered in Pakistan Credit: ITV Border

Pakistan government officials say they're determined to bring to justice those responsible for killing a Dumfries aid worker.

The body of 60 year old Khalil Dale was found yesterday near the city of Quetta.

It followed his abduction at the hands of gunmen in January.

Mr Dale had been working for the International Committee of the Red Cross.

He'd spent many years working as an aid worker and had also previously worked as a nurse in Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.

He lived in the town for 30 years.

Prime Minister David Cameron has described his murder as a "shocking and merciless act".

Meanwhile the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said there was a determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.

A spokesman added: "Pakistan is committed to combat terrorism and the death of Mr. Dale has only strengthened our resolve to eliminate this scourge."

Murder of aid worker a "shocking and merciless act"

Prime Minister David Cameron says Khalil Dale's murder is shocking Credit: ITV Border

The murder of a Dumfries aid worker whose body was found dumped in an orchard in Pakistan has been condemned by the Prime Minister as a "shocking and merciless act".

Khalil Dale, 60, was kidnapped in January while working with the Red Cross in Baluchistan province.

David Cameron said: "I was deeply saddened to hear today about the brutal murder of Khalil Dale - a man who was killed whilst providing humanitarian support to others.

"This was a shocking and merciless act, carried out by people with no respect for human life and the rule of law.

"Khalil Dale has dedicated many years of his life to helping some of the most vulnerable people in the world and my thoughts today are with his friends and family."

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MP's dismay at murder of Kahlil Dale

Dumfries and Galloway MP Russell Brown Credit: ITV Border

There's been further political reaction to confirmation that a Dumfries aid worker has been murdered after being kidnapped in Pakistan.

The body of Khalil Dale - formerly known as Ken - was found on the outskirts of the city of Quetta.

He was abducted by gunmen in January.

The 60 year old had been working for the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Today Dumfries and Galloway MP Russell Brown said: "I am extremely disappointed and angry in the manner of Ken's death.

"His murder appears to have been a savage one and there are many people here in the local area who will be deeply saddened and upset at the news.

"The Foreign Office as far as I can tell supported the International Committee of the Red Cross in their efforts to secure his release.

"I am personally shocked that there wasn't a successful outcome."

Friend's shock at death of Dumfries aid worker

Shiela Howat worked with Khalil Dale Credit: ITV Border

Friends of murdered Dumfries aid worker Kahlil Dale have spoken of their shock at his death.

Shiela Howat used to work with Mr Dale - formerly known as Ken - in the casualty department of the town's hospital.

Today she said: "It's the saddest day ever. We have lost such a great person.

Khalil Dale who has been found murdered in Pakistan Credit: ITV Border

"My friend Ken was the most wonderful man you could wish to meet. His entire life was given to caring for others.

"What they did was unbelievable and barbaric. He cared for others and got no thanks in return."

Mrs Howat added: "It's difficult to say if you should have done more. I contact the Foreign Office and my local MP who advised a quiet time but in hindsight I think we should have done more for Ken."