Life has always been an adventure for me, shaped by exploration and new experiences. From the small challenges of childhood to career-defining moves, the journey has been about embracing change and venturing into the unknown. The theme that runs through my life is simple: I thrive in situations that push me out of my comfort zone.
My First Challenge: The Streets of Karachi
As a child in Karachi, my curiosity often led me to explore the busy streets and bazaars. But one of the first challenges I encountered was convincing my father to let me take the public bus on my own. Karachi’s bustling streets and chaotic traffic were daunting for an inexperienced kid, yet the desire to explore was stronger. Getting the chance to roam around was a major milestone, and it set the tone for how I would approach life: always curious, always exploring.
My First Touch with Technology: A Small Market in Karachi
My first real exposure to technology came in a small market near Denso Hall in downtown Karachi. This wasn’t a glamorous tech store, but a collection of shops that sold old PC magazines—often slightly outdated but fascinating nonetheless. I remember buying whatever I could afford from these shops, absorbing all I could about computers and technology. It wasn’t the latest equipment or cutting-edge gadgets, but it was enough to ignite a lifelong passion for technology.
The Professional Journey: Exploring Pakistan
After finishing my degree, I landed my first job as a BSS Tech, a position that required me to travel across the southern region of Pakistan. This job took me to some of the most remote corners of the country, from Sindh to Balochistan and eventually to northern Pakistan. The experience of commissioning and integrating mobile sites across different provinces opened my eyes to the rich diversity of Pakistan’s culture and its challenges outside of megacities like Karachi.
It was the era of 2G, and having just one bar of 2G signal on my Nokia 3310 felt like a major achievement. In places like Shandur and the outskirts of Nasirabad, I witnessed the very first mobile signals being introduced. It was a moment of immense pride to be part of that history, bringing connectivity to villages and towns that had never experienced it before.
Unplanned Moves: From Karachi to Canada
Throughout my life, one thing has remained constant: not much planning goes into my major relocation moves. In 2008, I was presented with the opportunity to immigrate to Canada. At the time, I didn’t know much about the country. My initial plan was to move south after gaining enough experience in the Western markets. But when the opportunity with Huawei arose, it felt like stepping into a huge comfort zone. The leadership, the family-like atmosphere, and the stability kept me rooted in Canada. Still, the traveling continued. I found myself exploring the vastness of Canada, from Calgary to Edmonton to Halifax to Saskatoon, each location adding a new layer of understanding about how technology is shaping different regions.
Embracing the US: The Move to Dallas
In 2019, my journey took another unexpected turn—this time to the United States. After Huawei’s operations ended, the geopolitical and technological changes left many of us questioning our next steps. A friend referred me to a recruiter, who introduced me to Samsung’s office in Dallas. Despite Dallas not being the first city we considered, something in my gut told me it could be the next tech hub after Silicon Valley.
Convincing my family to make the leap was tough, but this was one of those decisions I had absolute faith in. I blindly accepted the job offer and moved to Dallas. It was one of the most challenging yet rewarding decisions I’ve made. There was no looking back.
A month later, I found myself in San Francisco, working in a fast-paced, high-tech environment I had only dreamt of. I was part of a team working on AT&T’s millimeter-wave 5G small cells at the Product Innovation Zone (PIZ). It was a steep learning curve, but one that I embraced wholeheartedly. I also met two incredible mentors who guided me through these transformative months.
A New Chapter in Denver, Colorado
Now, as I write in 2025, I find myself in Denver, Colorado. It’s another step in this ever-evolving journey of technology, exploration, and personal growth. Each move, each job, each challenge has taught me something new—about technology, about people, and about myself.
The Bigger Picture
Looking back, I realize how much these moves have shaped not just my career but my entire perspective on life. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing different cultures, discovering new ways of thinking, and watching technology shape the future in places both big and small. What’s become clear is that technology and change don’t just transform industries—they shape the way we live and connect with the world.
As I continue my journey in this ever-changing world of tech, I remain grateful for each move, each challenge, and every new opportunity to explore. The road may not always be planned, but it has always been full of growth and discovery. And who knows what’s next? One thing’s for sure: I’m ready to explore it all.
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