THE sister of a Blackburn businessman shot dead in Pakistan fears her family are ‘sitting ducks’.

Nazia Kausar is in Jhelum, Pakistan, with her brother and sisters, helping care for their mum as she recovers from also being shot in the attack on January 9.

Former Pleckgate High School, Blackburn, pupil Jahangir Hussain ran Zorba Balti, Waterfoot, with his brother Qader Hussain.

It is believed that he was killed in a property dispute and police in Pakistan arrested three people as part of a murder investigation.

A youth, a man and a woman appeared in court last week and were released on bail ahead of the return to court tomorrow.

IT specialist Ms Kausar said: “We are really concerned about our safety.

“We have been given a security man outside our home but what happens if we have to go out? They cannot split someone.

“We have been told if we want someone else to do it then we have to get our own security guard but we don’t think we can trust anyone.

“We need help from the British Embassy as we are British citizens with British passports and we are not being protected.

“The situation is very critical and we cannot push the Pakistan authorities on this. We are the next targets for the people and feel like we are sitting ducks.

“I’m not happy with the police investigation as they are too slow.

“They haven’t provided my brother with any security yet and I was thinking not to send mum into court as people can take weapons into court. What if someone attacked her again, as she was a main target?”

Blackburn MP Kate Hollern, said: “I continue to make representations both to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Home Office.

“I understand progress is being made with the local courts and that the family continue to receive 24-hour protection from the Pakistan police.

“Foreign Office staff are in regular contact with the Pakistani authorities. This is a very sad case and the family’s fears for safety are understandable. I am hopeful that those responsible for this terrible murder will soon be brought to justice.”

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “Our staff are supporting the family and are in contact with the Pakistani police”.