THE FAMILY of a Pakistani woman who was deported has vowed to bring her back to the country for a safer life.

William Gill, 44, of Rutland Street, Ribbleton, Preston, said that he will not rest until his sister-in-law Aksa Gill, 43, and her three children aged 12, 11, and six, are safely back in the UK.

He said the Christian family are now in hiding in Pakistan being helped by his friends, because they fear for their lives.

The family were deported last month after legal arguments to keep them in the country had been exhausted.

"I have not spoken to Aksa since she left, but I have friends helping her who I have been in contact with. They are OK but we are still worried for their safety.

"I am looking for ways to get her out of Pakistan, she is a qualified midwife so I am trying to find her a job."

Mrs Gill and her children were handed over to Pakistani authorities in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East, after flying out on Thursday July 22.

The family had been in Preston since August 2001 after spending three years in hiding in their home country.

Their troubles began in 1998 when Mrs Gill's husband was blamed for the death of a woman at the hospital where he worked. He subsequently received death threats from Muslim radicals and has been in hiding in Pakistan for the past six years.

The family were members of the St Ignatius Roman Catholic Church, Preston, and the youngest children were pupils at St Ignatius RC primary school while the eldest attended Christ the King RC High School.

Father Hugh Pollock, of St Ignatius, said: "The church feels that they are still part of parish, and we will continue to pray for them, and stay in touch with them through the family.

"They are still in great danger. By staying in touch and praying for them, hopefully our support will make them safer."