A HEARTBROKEN mother today told how her husband snatched their six children away for a new life in Pakistan and said: "I just want them back."

Detectives are using Interpol as part of a major hunt to trace Mushtaq Ahmed, who has been missing with his two sons and four daughters for nine days.

His devastated wife of 15 years, Razia, 36, of Whitendale Crescent, Lower Audley, Blackburn, said he had fled to Gujrat in Pakistan after a tense period in their marriage.

She claimed her husband believed the children would have a better life in Pakistan.

And Razia fears she will never see daughters Mariam, nine, Zuleqa, eight, Alia, seven, and Mobeena, 14 months, and sons Bilal, six, and Ali, three, if they are not found soon.

Police said if they find Mushtaq in Pakistan, where the couple both have family, no criminal charges could be brought as he is a joint legal guardian.

She will then have to pursue a custody battle through the courts -- a step she says she is willing to take.

Razia last saw her children on Sunday, December 22. Her last memory is of feeding baby Mobeena.

She said a friend of Mushtaq's was looking after four of her children on the day they disappeared.

Razia said she had the other two in her care until Mushtaq told her he needed them to obtain a travel visa.

She has not seen all of them since and said a friend of Mushtaq's has told her the children are now in Gujrat.

The couple married in Pakistan, with Razia moving to England two years ago. Mushtaq, who does not work, used to divide his time between the countries.

Razia, whose sister lives in Burnley, near to Turf Moor, said their marriage had been happy until the past year, when tensions about the children living in England escalated.

She added: "I am settled in England and want my children to be brought up here.

"He has never done anything like this before. I had no idea he was going to do it. When I realised I started crying and phoned the police.

"I am feeling very upset and desperate for my children. I want to have my children back.

"I am scared I may not see them again. I am missing them very, very badly."

Det Sgt Ian Critchley said: "We have spoken to Mrs Mushtaq who has stated to us that her children are missing and with her estranged husband. As such our involvement is to confirm that the children are safe and well, which we are attempting to do through her family in Pakistan and Interpol.

"There is no breach of the Abduction Act. As the natural father, he can take the children. We have not had other information that they are with him, but he has left the area.

"There will be no more action when they are found safe and well. We will advise Mrs Mushtaq accordingly in relation to seeking advice from a family lawyer."