Without question, Khalil was amongst the most gentle, most kind and most loving person we have ever known. For all who knew him, his deeply caring and considerate nature was what left a lasting impression. Mr Dale was a veteran of conflict zones, including Somalia, Pakistan and Afghanistan. He was a fluent Arabic speaker and converted to Islam. He was working for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Pakistan, managing health projects, when he was snatched by masked gunmen. Although the ICRC says it refuses to pay ransoms, it set up a negotiating team which made contact with Mr Dale's kidnappers receiving "proof of life" confirmations on two occasions. A note with the body said he had been killed because a ransom had not been paid and threatened the release of a video showing his death. Mr Dale's friends and relatives said they would not the events of the past week taint his memory. "Khalil was a better man than that," their statement said. We pity those who took his life. He achieved much in this world. His life was one of love, not hatred. The ICRC has asked media organisations not to use images of Mr Khalil's body. Police believe a criminal gang was responsible, but have not ruled out the possibility that extremists of the Pakistan Taliban or separatist rebels were to blame.