I live in Karachi, Pakistan and am a 24 year old girl. I am afraid to go outside because I'm afraid somebody will kidnap me. I have even left my studies because of it. I hear lots of news about kidnaping. Is it really a threat? Or is it just my fears? What do I do?

Kidnapping will always be a threat anywhere in the world, though in some places more so. The best thing you can do is to be careful, don't go out alone in the evening, be cautious around strangers and dodgy areas and perhaps even carry something for self-defence such as pepper spray if you can get it. Don't keep yourself constantly worrying about it, just be cautious and think about the risks before you do something. I cannot stress enough how important your studies are though, it will be the key to getting a good job, home and other things. If you do well with your studies perhaps you could move somewhere safer if you're concerned. There are people out there who want you to be scared so you don't study and don't get on with your life, but your kid is your own. Trust in your family, your fear friends and yourself.