The mother of Ali Durrani, a Birmingham man missing for more than 18 months, has issued a heartfelt plea on the eve of his 34th birthday, asking “where are you” and expressing the pain of not knowing his whereabouts.
Mahjabeen, Ali’s mother, spoke in a video prepared by the charity Missing People, ahead of what would be her son’s second birthday since he vanished. Ali was 32 when he was last seen on February 6, 2025, near Middlemore Road and West Heath Road in Northfield, Birmingham.
In the video, Mahjabeen said: “Ali, my son, your birthday is coming up soon. It’s been such a long time. I haven’t seen your beautiful face, your beautiful smile, heard your voice. Where are you? I miss you so much. It’s so heartbreaking not knowing where you are.”
A Family Left Waiting
Ali, described as a “much-loved family man,” had left his home in Selly Oak the day before his disappearance. A further sighting placed him in Turves Green, also in Birmingham. The extensive police operation, which has included specialist search officers and drones, has so far failed to locate him.
Mahjabeen continued: “You missed out on so much this year: birthdays, celebrations, your nephew growing up, among other things.” Her words come as the family prepares to mark a second birthday without Ali, more than 18 months after he went missing.
Police Investigation and Reward
West Midlands Police have been leading the investigation, with a £10,000 reward still on offer for information that leads to finding Ali. Superintendent Susan Mabbett, from West Midlands Police, said: “This has been an extensive investigation led by detectives from our specialist Locate team.”
She added: “We've also used resources from across the force, including our drones team, specialist search officers, and we have also had support from other agencies including British Transport Police and West Midlands Fire Service in supporting our search for Ali.”
Public Appeal and How to Help
At the time of his disappearance, Ali was described as an Asian male of medium build with short black hair and a black beard. He was last seen wearing a khaki raincoat, blue jeans, and brown lace-up shoes, carrying a black backpack with blue trim.
Missing People’s spokesman Ndella Senghore said: “If anyone has any information about Ali’s disappearance, they can contact Missing People’s Helpline.” He added: “Ali, if you are reading this, please get in touch. You can call us on 116 000. Our service is non-judgemental, confidential, and free. We just want to provide you with the support you need and help you to be safe.”
Senghore continued: “Our Helpline is here to support people who are missing, thinking of going missing, and for loved ones who are left behind. The Helpline is free and confidential and is operated by trained staff and volunteers. Sightings and information about any missing person can also be given anonymously through the Missing People website here, or by contacting West Midlands Police via Live Chat on their website, or by calling 101 quoting PID number 452099.”
The public can also visit Ali’s appeal on the Missing People website. The police have urged anyone with information to come forward, saying: “We would like to appeal to the public for any information they may have which may assist our investigation, and to help us find Ali.”
