In yet another promising development for Pakistani football, former Pakistan U-19 national team defender Khurshid Alam has secured a move to Thimphu City FC, a top-flight side in the Bhutan Premier League.
This move follows closely on the heels of Alamgir Ghazi’s recent transfer to the same league, suggesting a new but welcome trend of Pakistani players seeking competitive football abroad amidst a domestic football scene riddled with administrative chaos and uncertainty.
Interestingly, Alam will be linking up with a familiar face in Bhutan — Shadab Iftikhar, the former head coach of Pakistan’s U-19 national team, who now manages Thimphu City FC. It’s believed that Shadab played a pivotal role in facilitating Alam’s transfer, leveraging his past connection with the young defender to open new doors for his career.
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Young Pakistani Star Alamgir Ghazi Joins Bhutan’s Thimphu City FC
A Glimpse into Thimphu City FC
Founded in 2012, Thimphu City FC is one of Bhutan’s most prominent clubs, participating in the country’s top-tier league. Formerly known as Zimdra FC, the club earned a place in the inaugural season of the Bhutan National League and quickly made its mark by finishing second in 2013. Since then, Thimphu City has established itself as a competitive force in Bhutanese football and offers an ideal environment for rising talents from neighboring countries to showcase and sharpen their skills.
What This Move Means for Khurshid — and for Pakistan Football
For Khurshid Alam, this transfer is a vital stepping stone. Playing in an organized, competitive league — even if not in South Asia’s traditional powerhouses — means regular game time, better exposure, and a chance to grow professionally under a structured setup.
More importantly, for Pakistani football, which continues to suffer due to political infighting and a lack of consistent league action, this transfer is a rare bright spot. With very few opportunities available at home, moves like these highlight the resilience and ambition of young Pakistani players who are determined to carve out careers despite the odds.
A Hopeful Path Forward
These recent moves, first by Alamgir Ghazi and now Khurshid Alam, point to a subtle yet important shift. Young players are beginning to break the mold, exploring alternative pathways to keep their professional dreams alive. If nurtured well, such experiences could open the door for future moves to more competitive leagues in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, or even Europe.
With the right support, visibility, and continued perseverance, there’s hope that these trailblazers could one day become the catalysts for a new era in Pakistani football — where talent is no longer wasted, but recognized, nurtured, and celebrated across borders.