Family Marks Missing Birmingham Man’s Birthday with Renewed Video Plea for Information

Marking Ali’s birthday this Sunday (31st August), his mother, Mahjabeen, and uncle, Mobin, each filmed an exclusive video appeal, to be posted on our YouTube, Twitter and Facebook pages. Mahjabeen’s video can be viewed here, whilst Mobin’s can be viewed here.

“It’s been 200 days since we last saw our beautiful son,” says Mahjabeen, in an excerpt from her appeal. “We miss him every single day. His birthday is a painful reminder of the time we’ve lost. We are longing to see him again, to know he is safe. If you know anything – no matter how small – please come forward.”

“Ali, if you’re out there and you see this—please let us know you’re safe,” Mahjabeen added. “We love you. We just want to know you’re okay.”

Ali was 32 when he went missing on 6 February near Middlemore Road and West Heath Road in Northfield, Birmingham. He had left his home in Selly Oak the day before and never returned. Despite extensive efforts by West Midlands Police and partner agencies, Ali has not been found.

Ali’s phone – a light-coloured iPhone 12 – has also never been recovered. It was last active near the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham on 7 February. Officers believe it could be key to understanding what happened.

In other police developments, following a search of Ali’s computer, investigators discovered that on 28 January – just days before his disappearance – Ali had searched for information about the Ilford area in East London. His family believe there is a possibility he will travel there and encourage anyone in Ilford who may have seen or spoken to Ali to come forward.

At the time of his disappearance, Ali was described as an Asian male having a medium build, 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.

Ali’s family run the Instagram page, @ali_is_missing, which is dedicated to raising awareness of his search. You can follow the page and share their appeals here.

To help the search, the public can visit Ali’s appeal on the Missing People website here: https://www.missingpeople.org.uk/help-us-find/ali-durrani-25-000829. From here, one can report a sighting, download his missing appeal as a poster, and share it as widely as possible via Facebook, Twitter, and in public spaces.

Missing People’s Publicity Officer, Ndella Senghore, said:

“If anyone has any information about Ali’s disappearance, they can contact Missing People’s helpline.

“Ali, if you are reading this, please get in touch. You can call us on 116 000 or email 116000@missingpeople.org.uk. 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.

“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 at https://www.missingpeople.org.uk/sightings-and-giving-information-2.”