SOME years ago my father was kidnapped in Quetta, and from the moment we heard this news till the time he returned home, we went through hell. There are no words which can adequately describe the experience, the aftereffects on our personalities will remain for the rest of our lives.

Regardless of the cost involved, we count ourselves lucky that our father was returned. To some, we will remain indebted for life and to some we will keep our options open.

Recently, I lost my son for three minutes, and for two and a half minutes I was worse than a dead person. I live in a relatively safe country and ever safer neighbourhood. I was browsing through books in a shop while he was standing behind me. I was having a conversation with him but he did not respond. I returned to look, he was not there.

I looked around, could not find him, I got panicked, and got the entire shop worried. I was concerned, and it took 30 seconds when I had lost the world. My state was extremely dangerous and worrying.

I rushed out and found him about 200 yards away from the shop. I hugged him, and carried him all the way to home.

In Balochistan, the complaint is that there are many young people missing, and the word is that there are government agencies behind it. I do not care for what reason they have been picked up; the fact that they have been missing and missing for so long is a gross violation of the people's right.

I have earlier read that the Supreme Court has declared this year as the year of the missing people. I pray and hope that this year is the year of missing people. Recently the governor of Balochistan also directly indicated to Gen Kayani that the missing people issue was one which is needed to be resolved.

There has been an indication by Gen Kayani that the army wants to see a prosperous and stable Balochistan, and that is to be achieved by integrating more Baloch in the army and making Sui an education city.

This is a very good step, in the right direction, but certainly this alone will not alleviate the sufferance of the Baloch. Balochistan need to be given the promised autonomy, and the need to show due respect to its citizens.

This year should be the year for the missing people, not only for the judiciary but also for the government and its law-enforcement agencies. We need our people back at home.

ZULFIQAR ALI SYED Lebanon Court Twickenham, UK