Persona non greta

I was born in a big and populous city of South Asia. When I turned seven, my father , working for a local bank got promoted and he got transfered to KSA. As a result we all moved to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

We all left for Riyadh, as my father was already there, he came to receive all four of us (mother, two sisters and my self. As we came out, we were amazed to see the luxurious cars, lights (it appeared that it’s morning time even though we arrived around 7 pm). It’s a beautiful city , I have no words for it, it was very hot I cannot describe it.

I joined School, 3rd grade. My sisters also joined school, and we moved on. The Saudis are very proud but hospitable nation. I used to play cricket back home, but no more cricket.

The game that fascinated me, mesmerised me was Foot Ball, I really wanted to learn that game. I start following Saudi league, which was ok, not as fast as Serie A, LA LIGA, ENGLISH PREMIERE LEAGUE.

Saudis are good in football, but there was a player who was taking over the world, none other than “Diego Maradona” (late). I started to follow him as well. Coming back to the story, my one of my real uncle X successfully passed CA with flying colors. He was offered a great job in one of the leading firms. As soon as my mother and sister heard about it, they started talking Ali should do that as well.

I was ok student. I used to pass the papers with good marks, but nobody including my father use to encourage me. As time progressed, the craze for playing good football increased. There were some guys, they were Saudis, Syrians, Qataris, Egyptians, they use to play meticulous Football In a ground across the street. They were amazing in their game and very brisk runners. A

When I was in 4rth grade, there were sporting activities every year held in our school and they included Volley ball, Table tennis, 100 metre race. So I was hardly 9, but somehow, I made it to the finals of the 100 meters race, as the race was about to start. My heart was beating very hard and as the race started, I gave full gas, I touch the finish line, all my friends climbed over me and one of my friend carried me on his shoulders. OH THANKS ALLAH, I have won the race. It was unbelievable feeling and I was happy that all my friends and teachers are happy.

Confidence Booster

That race victory gave me confidence because you need to run faster in order to be a good football player. Keeping that point in my mind, I approached the boys across the street and One evening, while I played on the field, one of my father’s Saudi friends watched me closely, observing how I moved with purpose and determination. Later, he approached my father, praising my skills. But my father dismissed the idea, insisting that sports could interfere with my education.

Yet, that Saudi friend wasn’t ready to give up. Somehow, he convinced my father to give me a chance. Then, something incredible happened—he pulled some strings, made a few calls, and took me to a football academy. Not just any academy, but Al Hilal Junior Academy.

For the next four years, I trained, played, and grew as a footballer. This was no longer just casual practice—it was structured, competitive training under skilled coaches. The academy sharpened my game, refined my techniques, and instilled discipline. What began as a childhood dream had evolved into a real opportunity, all because someone believed in my talent.

Those years at the academy were transformative. I wasn’t just learning the game—I was competing, improving, and proving myself on the field. We played in numerous tournaments, and time after time, our team emerged victorious. The rush of scoring goals, the thrill of competition, and the joy of lifting trophies alongside my teammates made every challenge worthwhile.

From a child playing on neighborhood fields to a striker for Al Hilal’s junior academy, my journey proved that passion, determination, and the right opportunities could change everything.

SHATTERED DREAMS

Just when my dreams were taking shape, everything changed. Football had become my world. From playing on neighborhood fields to training at Al Hilal Junior Academy, I had built a future I could see unfolding before me. As a left-footed striker, I thrived on scoring goals and leading my team to tournament victories. Every match, every win, every moment on the field made me feel unstoppable—like I had truly found where I belonged.

But then, everything changed.

One day, my father announced that we were leaving Riyadh and returning to Karachi. His reason? My sister’s wedding and my future studies. At the time, Riyadh lacked audit firms, making chartered accountancy an impossible path there. My father believed football had run its course—that it was time for me to pursue something more "practical."

Leaving Riyadh felt like leaving behind a part of myself. Football wasn’t just a sport—it was my passion, my escape, my dream. I had spent years refining my skills, proving myself in tournaments, scoring goals, and growing as a player. But in an instant, it was all taken away.

Karachi was different. Cricket dominated the scene, and football had little presence. The structured training, competitive environment, and opportunities I had in Riyadh were nowhere to be found. Instead, I was expected to focus on studies, responsibilities, and a future I hadn’t chosen.

Leaving Riyadh wasn’t just about moving to a new city—it was about leaving behind a future I had built for myself. Yet, despite the heartbreak, the lessons football had taught me—discipline, determination, and resilience—stayed with me. Even though I could no longer chase the same dream, the fire football had ignited in me never truly faded.

New Chapter: From Science the Field to Finance

Settling into life in Karachi was an adjustment. My sister got married shortly after our arrival, marking the beginning of a new phase for our family. With football behind me, I redirected my focus to academics, determined to carve out a new path.

I enrolled in IBA Karachi, one of the most prestigious institutions in the country, to pursue a Master's degree. The coursework was rigorous and demanding, but the discipline and resilience I had developed on the football field became my greatest assets in the classroom. The same dedication that once drove me to sprint toward the goal now propelled me forward in my studies, helping me navigate the challenges of academia.

Transitioning from football to the corporate world was an unexpected shift, but the skills I had developed on the field proved invaluable. Years of training instilled resilience—the same determination that once drove me to score goals now fueled my success in the classroom and beyond., I secured a role in Corporate Finance at an investment company as an Assistant Manager. The transition demanded sharp thinking, strategic decision-making, and the ability to perform under pressure—all qualities I had honed as an athlete. Within two years, I was promoted to Manager of Corporate Finance, proving that perseverance and discipline translated seamlessly from sports to business.

Though my career path had changed, the lessons football taught me remained:

Teamwork helped me collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients.

Strategic thinking enabled me to approach financial challenges with confidence.

Resilience ensured that setbacks never deterred me from pushing forward.

Looking back, I realize that while my football career was cut short, it equipped me with the skills that shaped my success in finance. The discipline, drive, and passion I once channeled into scoring goals became the foundation for building a strong career in the corporate world.

New Beginning, with Conditions

During my two years in corporate finance, I witnessed Pakistan’s economy steadily decline. The uncertainty of the future weighed heavily on me, prompting me to take action. I applied for Canadian immigration, envisioning a fresh start—a chance to build a more stable life and explore greater opportunities abroad.

Just when I thought I had made my decision, my father stepped in once again, shifting my path in ways I hadn’t expected.

"You are migrating to Canada? Fine," he said. "But only if you get married first."

I was stunned. This was supposed to be my journey, my decision—yet suddenly, marriage was a condition for my new life.

He went on to explain that our family was planning to relocate as well—they would be joining me in Canada. The weight of the moment hit me all at once. It wasn’t just me leaving anymore. The scope of the change had expanded, and with it, the responsibility.

For a long time, I had fought to carve my own path—first with football, then with finance. And yet, just like before, family expectations dictated my next steps. I had to make a choice—push back or accept the reality before me.

Despite the shock, I said, "Okay."

A Beautiful Partnership

Finding a life partner like Sobia—someone who brings understanding and deep connection—is truly special. She became a meaningful part of my life, offering support, companionship, and stability during a time of great transition. Having supportive in-laws made the process even smoother, allowing me to step into this new chapter with confidence.

Love, Support, and Struggles

Though my marriage was arranged, it turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. Sobia was, without a doubt, the best person I had ever met. From the very beginning, we connected deeply understanding, supporting, and respecting each other in a way that felt truly special.

Her family embraced me with warmth and kindness. My in-laws were not just supportive; they became a pillar of encouragement, making my transition into married life much smoother.

But on the other side, things were starkly different.

Instead of celebration, my own family met my marriage with disapproval. Instead of support, I faced resistance. Their expectations had always shaped my choices—from football to finance, and now even my marriage.

Difficult Days: Navigating an Unfamiliar Job Market

Finding a stable office job in Canada proved to be more challenging than I had expected. While opportunities existed, there were unspoken rules, hidden networks, and strategies I only uncovered with time. Securing a position wasn’t just about applying—it required understanding the system in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

After attending a couple of interviews, the pressure from my parents and sister intensified. They urged me to start something—but what exactly? A business, a different career path, or something else entirely? Their expectations weighed heavily on me, pushing me to make a decision.

To them, it was the practical choice. "At least it will bring in money," they said. But for me, it was a difficult pill to swallow. After years of building a career in corporate finance—studying, working hard, and establishing myself—the idea of shifting to physical labor felt like stepping

Finding Strength in Adversity

The physical toll of heavy lifting was relentless, and over time, I could feel my body weakening. At home, tensions mounted—my parents’ attitude toward my wife and two young sons weighed heavily on me. Stress and exhaustion became constant companions. Then came the diagnosis: dystonia and Parkinson’s disease.

The news shattered me.

I withdrew from work, from routine, from the life I once knew. My condition stole so much—but Sobia remained my anchor, standing by me through every challenge, offering unwavering support when I needed it most.

Yet, even in the darkest moments, purpose found its way back to me. Coaching football—first my sons, then expanding to others—brought new meaning to my days. I volunteered, shaped young minds, and reignited the passion I thought I had lost. Football wasn’t just a game anymore—it became a way to heal, to connect, to keep moving forward.

A Journey of Resilience and Unexpected Opportunities

His journey didn’t end on the football field. Education—something he once feared was beyond his grasp—became a central part of his path. He completed his studies in Canada, watched his children enter university, and saw his wife thrive in her career. Piece by piece, the life that once felt lost was rebuilt—with faith, determination, and an unbreakable will.

Then came something he never expected.

His neurologist, a respected leader in the political sphere, saw in him a potential for leadership—a strength he had never considered for himself. A position in the party. A chance to run for mayor in 2025. It felt surreal, almost impossible. And yet, when the opportunity presented itself, he chose to step forward.

Here's a refined version of your passage with enhanced flow and emotional depth:

Rising Beyond Defeat

The election came, and though he did not win, he did not see loss. Instead, he saw victory in a different form. He had stepped into a space he never imagined for himself—a platform, a voice, and the power to serve. And this was only the beginning.

The fight was far from over. Now, he was the party president—ready to lead, ready to build, ready to prove that his journey was far from finished.

He had been broken, abandoned by his own body, dismissed by fate. But now, he stood tall. The struggles that once threatened to silence him no longer defined him. Because despite it all, he had not just survived—he had risen.