I come from a humble rural background, where my parents, despite having no formal education, had one unwavering dream—to provide the best possible education for their children. They instilled in me a passion for learning, even though I had no academic guidance at home.
I began my schooling in a small village called Chak Nanga 250 JB, Jhang , where university education was a rarity. The idea of higher studies was distant, almost unimaginable. At the age of 15, I stepped into the city for the first time when I got admission to Faran Model College. This was a turning point, but the real challenges were yet to come. I, with my two brothers, had to live alone in a rented house for four years, from age 14 to 17 years of age
With no family guidance in navigating academics, I struggled immensely. In 2009, at the age of 18, I traveled to Lahore for the first time to join KIPS Johar Town Campus. It was here that I met Khurram Shah, who is now Major Khurram Abbas in the Pakistan Army. He became a mentor, guiding me through the process of applying to universities. At that time, I didn’t even know how to use the internet—I had never heard of NTS (National Testing Service) before.
Later that year, I secured admission to Air University in electrical engineering (Roll# 610782). However, my path took another turn, and I switched to mechanical engineering. I made my first trip to Islamabad with Khurram Sajjad, who is now a Sub-Inspector in Punjab Police. Unfortunately, I could barely survive three months there before I dropped out.
Determined to move forward, I started preparing for another attempt. Then, a COMSATS University advertisement appeared in a newspaper. I applied and was accepted into COMSATS Islamabad in Computer Engineering (Roll # BCE-SP10B06). There, I met Ahsan Raza Khan, who is now with me in Belgium. Despite my best efforts, I struggled again and barely managed to complete two semesters. In 2011, I returned home, feeling defeated—"Laut ke buddhu ghar ko aaye" (Like a fool, I returned home empty-handed).
But I refused to give up. I traveled to Karachi, obtained a Sindh domicile, and applied for textile engineering at NTU (National Textile University). I secured admission in Textile Processing Engineering, hoping that this would finally be the right path for me. However, fate had other plans—I once again failed to survive in this field.
Meanwhile, one thing good happened: I got appeared in B.A as private candidate and passed with 48 percent.
They said , '' I was a failure''. Three rejections, Countless setbacks. A family’s silence. My report card screamed “48%” while my soul whispered, “You’re not done yet.”
So I bet on myself. Again.
Fourth time’s the charm? Hell yes. I stormed into the University of Sargodha (UOS), armed with nothing but grit and a voice in my head: “You CAN do this.”
MA History. MSc Sociology. Nights spent teaching at a dusty private school for a roof and a meal. Days fueled by caffeine and sheer stubbornness. Survival? Thank two angels in disguise: Kaleem Akram and Sheeraz (now a social welfare hero). They became my family when mine was missing.
Bronze medalist. Department pride. Not bad for a “failure,” huh?
But the fire burned hotter. In 2015, I marched back to Islamabad for MS Sociology. This time? Second position in the batch. Me and my ride-or-die, Akmal, smashed the degree in two years flat. Legends? Nah. Just two hustlers with the best mentors—sociology rockstars who turned doubt into fuel.
Moral of the story?
Fall seven times. Rise eight. Wear your scars as armor. And when the world says “quit,” laugh and say “Watch me.”
Because failure isn’t forever—but courage? That’s eternal.
2015
ESE in the School Education Department, Pakistan
2017
Pakistan Railways as an Assistant Station Master, Walton Academy Lahore, Pakistan
2017
Literacy Mobilizer in the Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education Department in Rawalpindi,
2018-2021
Lecturer Sociology, Punjab Higher Education department, Pakistan
GC MURREE Kohsar University
Four fulfilling years with amazing colleagues like Mr. Masood and Majid Ijaz