Renowned Pakistani singer Ali Haider, who once ruled the hearts of millions with his soulful voice and melodious songs, has finally opened up about the heartbreaking circumstances that forced him to leave Pakistan. In a recent podcast with Ahmed Ali Butt, the Purani Jeans singer shared shocking details about his departure, the threats he faced, and how his transition from pop music to religious recitations led to life-altering challenges.

From Pop Stardom to Religious Devotion

Ali Haider’s career took off in the 90s with multiple chart-topping hits that cemented his place as a beloved figure in the Pakistani music industry. However, after 2010, his musical journey took a spiritual turn as he shifted his focus from pop music to reciting Hamd, Naats, and Noha. This transition, while deeply personal and spiritual, came with unexpected consequences.

According to Haider, his change in music genre did not sit well with certain individuals, leading to increased threats and pressure. He shared that the situation became so unsafe that his father, who owned a printing press, had to shut down the business due to these threats, plunging the family into a state of fear and uncertainty.

Threats, Extortion, and Fear

During the interview, Haider recalled how after 2010, he and his family faced extortion demands and constant surveillance by unknown individuals. Religious factors also played a role in the hostility he faced.

“After 2010, my family experienced tragedies that I was dealing with. During that time, some people started following me. There were extortion demands, and religious factors came into play. The situation became so unsafe that I can’t even describe the intensity of it,” said Haider.

One of the most alarming moments came when Haider received a threatening phone call that made him feel extremely vulnerable. Given that his home was situated on a busy road, he feared for his and his family’s safety.

A Mother’s Painful Plea

Seeing the constant danger surrounding her son, Haider’s mother made an emotional request, asking him to leave the country for his safety.

“One day, my mother said, ‘If you stay here, it causes me more pain. You need to leave.’ This was around 2013-2014,” Haider shared during the interview.

Shortly after, an opportunity arose when he was granted a U.S. visa for a concert, marking the beginning of his journey abroad.

Life After Leaving Pakistan

Since moving abroad, Haider has focused on his spiritual journey, continuing his religious recitations and maintaining a low profile. Though his departure from Pakistan was filled with hardship, it ultimately became a path to peace and safety for the singer.

Despite his absence from the mainstream Pakistani music industry, Ali Haider’s fans still remember him fondly and cherish the songs that once defined an era of music in Pakistan.