He began his career in Trenton in 2008 as legislative director for then-Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon, then served as chief of staff to state Sen. Kevin O'Toole from 2010 to 2017, and briefly for state Sen. Kristin Corrado. His career in politics began running legislative and county campaigns and then as the Chairman of the Essex County Young Republicans eventually becoming the Chairman of the New Jersey Young Republican Federation. Al has served as the Chairman of the Essex County Republican Committee since 2011.

While serving as a legislative staffer he was routinely called upon by local government officials to help cut government red tape, especially when it came to the Council on Affordable Housing and helping residents secure Blue Acres funding after having their homes destroyed by flooding, bills to enhance penalties for child predators, the Madison Holleran Suicide Prevention Act and legislation that created the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority.

A Muslim American, Barlas immigrated to the United States from Pakistan with his parents at a young age. He is the co-administrator and director of marketing for the New Jersey Intergovernmental Insurance Fund.

He resides in Cedar Grove with his wife, Sukaina, daughter Naila and son Kamran.