Kidnap case dad’s fight to see his child

A father jailed after abducting his daughter and taking her to Pakistan for three years argued in court today that he should be allowed to remain in contact with her.

Former insurance salesman Razwan Ali Anjum (29) was asking a High Court judge to allow him access to six–year–old Atiya Anjum–Wilkinson, who was found in Pakistan by police in December, more than three years after her disappearance.

Anjum told the girl’s mother in November 2009 that he was taking the three year old to the seaside, but in fact sent her to Pakistan to live with his family.

Atiya was found on Christmas Eve 2012 and flown back to be reunited with her mother, Gemma Wilkinson.

Ms Wilkinson (34), from Greater Manchester, is set to challenge the application.

Anjum, from Rochdale, was jailed in 2010 after a High Court judge ruled he was in contempt of court after disobeying orders to return Atiya or reveal her whereabouts. He was given additional jail terms as a result of several refusals. Last month he failed to win his freedom following Atiya’s discovery.

Mr Justice Holman ruled at the High Court in London that he should stay behind bars because he had not helped police. Anjum finally left custody on March 1.

Ms Wilkinson and Atiya now live at a secret address.