20/08/2026
BIRD (Book I Read Daily) Reading Club Launches at University of Karachi
University of Karachi 75th Year Celebrations
The Department of Public Administration at the University of Karachi officially inaugurated the BIRD (Book I Read Daily) Reading Club — a student-led movement to revive reading culture, sharpen critical thinking, and build the next generation of leaders through the transformative power of books, founded by Saeed Iqbal, Ph.D. Scholar and Convener, BIRD tackles the decline in reading habits caused by digital distractions and short‑form content.
Prof. Dr. Saima Akhter, Chairperson of the Department of Public Administration and Patron of BIRD, underlined the deeper purpose of the initiative: “Universities are not merely degree‑awarding institutions; they are centers for developing intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership and responsible citizenship. As we celebrate 75 years of intellectual growth at University of Karachi, BIRD is a timely step to ensure our students grow into lifelong learners and thoughtful leaders.”
Guest of Honor Syed Adnan Rizvi (Director, Drug Testing Laboratory) called reading “one of the most powerful investments in personal and professional development.” Mr. Aurangzeb Ansari (Nouveaux Pharma Ltd.) stressed that employers value communication, analytical thinking, and leadership—skills honed by regular reading. Prof. Dr. Syed Shabib ul Hasan (Director Evening Program, KU) praised BIRD for pushing learning beyond examinations toward inquiry and innovation.
Other esteemed supporters included Mr. Khurram Sohail (Pakistan Japan Literature Forum), and Madam Zohra Jabeen Omar (Kiran Foundation), all hailed the role of books in building informed, empathetic, and creative societies. Building a Reading Ecosystem
The club plans to expand partnerships with authors, publishers, and universities across Pakistan. The ceremony closed with a collective pledge from faculty, students, and guests to make reading a lifelong habit. The successful launch marks a new chapter in fostering intellectual vibrancy at the University of Karachi.
