Balochistan's higher education secretary, Abdullah Jan, who was abducted from Quetta four months ago returned home Wednesday evening, family members told DawnNews.

Unidentified gunmen had picked the official up from Quetta's Sabzal Road area at gunpoint when he was on his way to work.

He was kidnapped when the 6th national census was underway throughout the country and a large number of government employees, including those from the education department, were participating in the process.

"My father has safely reached home," Attique Khan, Jan's son, told DawnNews. He said his father's physical condition was not good.

It is not yet apparent whether the official was recovered by security forces in an operation, or set free after payment of ransom. He was abducted on March 15, 2017.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Abdul Razzaq Cheema, Home Secretary Akbar Harifal and other high-level government officials visited Jan's residence upon his return.

No group claimed the responsibility for his abduction.