Ali, a student of Roots School System, Rawalpindi, blazed his way into the Guinness Book of World Records, clearing 22 A-Level subjects and securing A Grade in 20 of them. He also became the first student in the world to secure 20 A Grades, the previous record being 13. In the run-up to his examinations, the boy studied for up to 12 hours a day and in many papers he was the only one in the examination hall as he decided to appear in subjects rarely chosen by any Pakistani student.

In England , he was an instant celebrity at Cambridge where he sought admission following his remarkable success in A levels. He drew the attention of major international newspapers with CNN and BBC also airing his interviews. Ali has also been invited in many talk shows in the United Kingdom.

According to his teachers, the international media were keen on knowing his study schedule that enabled him to attempt four consecutive papers in one day. They were also amazed at how a student from a country where militants were constantly blowing up schools could top an international examination.