My Story
From Pakistan to the U.S.A.
I was Born in Pakistan on Dec. 01, 1955 in Punjab, Pakistan. My Father was a Businessman in Bahrain. I do not recall/remember my father as he died in a ship accident while travelling to Pakistan in 1961. As an orphan I was raised with uncles, aunts, relatives, stepfather and eventually joined Pakistan Army at the age of 16, to get assistance for food, shelter and continue my education.
After training I was selected among 3,000 candidates to an Intelligent unit where I used to lead troops with maps and compass skills and in free time I used to teach basic reading and writing to soldiers in the camp, during 3 years of army service I was able to visit all 4 provinces in Pakistan which I was unable to see own my own. After 3 years of service I applied to become a reserve soldier and I was lucky it was approved. I also completed my high school while serving the Army.
I left Pakistan in 1976 to Libya to get a better life. My First Job in Libya was a Laborer and within few months I was promoted to a purchasing officer and worked for French, Greek, Irish, Yugoslavian and German companies and built my First Home in Pakistan in 1980.
My Last Job in Libya was in a German International company called ‘Union Matex’ as an Administrative officer. During my 7 years in Libya, I continued studying my bachelor’s degree by correspondence and graduated in 1984. America was always a Dream for me, so I decided to move to USA in 1984, where I heard as “Land of Opportunity”. I married in 1990 as an arranged marriage as my mother decided to choose my wife for me. Now I am happily married with 3 Handsome Boys who are my world.
Professional and Other Major Achievements
In 1988 I was hired as a General Manager for Best western Hotels in California and managed independently for a year. In 1989 I started my own business as a Travel Agent and worked for Travel industry until 1998
Successfully. In 1998 I joined Telecom industry and became a wholesale distributor of prepaid calling card industry, as telecom market was just de-regulated in that era and eventually became expert to run my own calling card switches, cisco gateways and voice over IP Technology without any engineering degree and sold my cards in 3 continents around the Globe until year 2008.currently I work as a freelance business consultant for small businesses.
Abid Butt with his family in New York.
Professional and Other Major Achievements
Abid Butt at GHQ IN 2017.
As a Pakistani American I have been always actively involved in Both American and Pakistani community as a social/Political activist. I registered a non-profit organization OPM (Overseas Pakistani Movement) to assist overseas Pakistanis around the Globe, who face challenges in Pakistan or in the country they are living. I am very fortunate that I personally know many officials including current Prime Minister of Pakistan. I will be soon calling International convention to all those organizations who are already working for the same cause and make more strength with unity and funds to solve issues and guide overseas Pakistanis in their legal and other issues in Pakistan.
Hobbies, Personal Beliefs and Motto
Travel has always been my passion and been already to over 90 countries around the world, Love to learn about other Cultures, Languages, Food, History, Geography & International Affairs.
At the launch of “Jeeway Pakistan” calling card in Islamabad Pakistan 2006.
Abid Butt with Son Danial Abid.
Abid Butt in Tripoli Libya 1977
Family Picture of Abid Butt.
Abid Butt watching Imran Khan's cricket Match in Los Angeles 1990.