From Passion to Publication
“The Last Minute,” published by Daastan, is a compelling football novel written by Nidal Hammad, a 14-year-old student who skillfully balances his O Level studies with a deep passion for football.
The book is a tribute to football and shows the excitement, emotions, and pressure players face during the most important moments of the game.
This story is simple yet highly engaging. It goes beyond the world of football and beautifully highlights powerful themes such as perseverance, focus, and resilience.
It reflects how individuals push through intense pressure and overcome challenges when everything is at stake.
In this conversation with Daastan, Nidal shares his journey as an emerging writer. He reflects on the inspiration behind his story and how he turned his passion into a published book.
Nidal Hammad: Author of “The Last Minute”
Nidal Hammad is a 14-year-old emerging author from Islamabad. He is currently navigating his O level studies.
His daily life is a mix of academic rigor focusing on Computer Science and Chemistry, and a deep-seated passion for the technical side of things, from PC hardware to hardcore gaming. But above all, he is a massive fan of competitive sports.
Outside of his studies, Nidal spends much of his time immersed in football, whether on screen or on the field. He shares:
“When I’m not studying or managing my PC setup, I’m usually immersed in the world of football, whether on a screen or a pitch.”
For him, writing has become a way to translate that high-energy passion into something meaningful and lasting.
The Last Minute
The Last Minute is a sports novel that pays tribute to the beautiful game. It’s a story that captures the raw emotion, the tactical pressure, and the sheer adrenaline of football.
It explores the internal and external battles athletes face when the clock is ticking down, and everything is on the line.
It’s about more than just a ball and a net. It’s about the heart it takes to keep playing when the odds are against you.
What inspired Nidal Hammad to write “ The Last Minute”
When asked about the inspiration behind his book, The Last Minute, Nidal responded:
“The inspiration came from FIFA and my love for football, as I wanted to read a book on the game, but I couldn’t find a single book in my house or library. So I set out to write one with the help of my family, so I could present a book to all the football fans waiting for another thriller.”
Daastan’s Role as a Book Publisher of “ The Last Minute”
“The Last Minute” is published by Daastan, Pakistan’s leading book publishing house, supporting both talented national and international writers.
Daastan also provides book marketing, author branding, advertising, and book distribution services across Pakistan
Nidal Hammad’s Experience with Daastan in His Own Words
When asked about his experience with daastan during his publishing journey of “The Last Minute”. Nidal answered.
“Daastan was instrumental in bridging the gap between a private passion project and a published work. They helped me navigate the logistical hurdles of the publishing process, making it much smoother to transition from writing for my love of football to presenting a finished product to a global audience.”
Lessons from “The Last Minute”
When we asked Nidal about the lessons that readers can get from his book “The Last Minute”. He shared
“Readers can expect a story about perseverance and the importance of staying focused under pressure. The Last Minute is a must-read because it isn’t just for football fans; it’s for anyone who has ever faced a “last-minute” challenge in their own life. It’s a reminder that the game isn’t over until the final whistle blows.”
Nidal Hammad’s Message For Readers
At the end of our conversation, we asked Nidal if he had a message for his readers. He shared his thoughts
“Your age or your starting point doesn’t define your potential. Whether you’re a student, an athlete, or an aspiring creator, don’t wait for the “perfect” time to start. Dive in, give it your all, and remember, even in the last minute, you still have time to change the outcome.”
Check out more author blogs.
Investing in a new writer is always a risk, but Daastan took that leap of faith and showed me “Ek Kiran Andheron Mein” and gave me a “Shanakht” as a writer.
I’m truly grateful for the opportunities and guidance Daastan provided me, from encouraging to mentoring and publishing. For me it’s more than just a platform—it’s a place where new writers find their voice and recognition. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wishes to begin or enrich their writing journey.
Their team is super supportive and professional. They walked me through every step of the process, from editing to printing, and even helped me with marketing. I've heard amazing things about their work, and I'm not surprised - they're clearly passionate about what they do.
What I love about Daastan is their inclusive approach. They're all about empowering emerging writers, and it shows in the quality of their publications. I've recommended them to friends and fellow writers, and I'll continue to sing their praises!
If you're thinking of publishing your work, look no further. Daastan is the way to go!
I have worked with many publishers in Pakistan, of which Daastan tops among independent publishers on account of transparency, quality and earlier response.
Their publishing process was exceptionally smooth and reassuring. After I registered, Narmeen, their consultant and editor, handled my manuscript with remarkable professionalism, guiding me through every stage with clarity and patience. With their support, I successfully published two books: Love, Lucknow aur Lahore, which received immense appreciation, and a short story titled Gol Roti.
What truly elevates Dastaan is the authenticity of their team. Ommar, Narmeen, and every member of their staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in my growth as a writer. Their encouragement turned what could have been a daunting experience into an inspiring milestone in my creative journey.
As a first-time author venturing into the literary world with both excitement and hesitation, I could not have found a better publishing partner than Daastan Pvt Ltd. Under the thoughtful leadership of Syed Omar Amer, the team at Daastan was unwaveringly supportive, responsive, and professional, guiding me with care and insight through every step of the publishing process. Their facilitation turned what could have been an intimidating journey into one marked by encouragement and trust.
The quality of the finished product speaks for itself - readers and recipients of my books consistently comment on the exceptional standard of printing and presentation, especially preservation of the design colours. The books look and feel beautiful in the hand, which has enhanced both their reach and reception. For any author, whether stepping into print for the first time or seasoned in the craft, I wholeheartedly recommend Daastan as a go-to publisher and printer. They are capable, creative, and above all, committed to the stories their authors want to tell. I am truly delighted that I found my way to them.
Dr Haroon Awan
