Read Pakistan

What Read Pakistan does

Read Pakistan is a private non-profit trust (NGO) founded in 2011 and headquartered in Islamabad, Pakistan, with 36 employees and an organizational mission to cultivate reading habits among Pakistani youth. The organization operates a portfolio of interconnected literacy programs: the 50 Books A Year Competition (a university-level reading challenge), READtalks (a global motivational speaking series in Urdu, English, and regional languages), BookClubs (university-based reading groups in 63+ locations across Pakistan and Saudi Arabia), CybeRead (a digital reading and online book-club initiative), Literary Lodge (a weekly video show on YouTube and Facebook), the Human Evolution Through Books collaborative project, and the annual National Readers Conference. Its physical footprint includes 54 libraries established over a decade (50 in schools, 4 public), the 100,000 School Libraries initiative targeting 15.4 million school-going children, and public libraries such as Farzana Farooq Library in Kotigram (serving 40,000 people) and Nasreen Sultana Library in Gilgit.

The organization's underlying technology is minimal; there is no proprietary software product, no API, and no app. Distribution is community-led through university chapters, book clubs, student ambassadors, and international chapters in Qatar, Dubai, and additional countries. The business model is donation-and-membership-driven: revenue streams comprise individual/corporate donations and sponsorships, regular and paid membership tiers, and an MoU-based partner benefits network offering member discounts with publishers, hospitals, restaurants, and other businesses. Institutional partnerships span universities (28+ MoUs), Army Public Schools Systems (125 libraries, 110,000+ children), Pakistan Sweet Home (31 orphan centers), Moawin Foundation, the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, and embassies of Portugal and Belgium.

The organization is governed by a Board of Trustees led by Chairman Farrukh Dall, CEO Syeda Fatima Hasan Gilani, and Vice Chairman Sher Afzal Khan, with an Advisory Council that includes former government officials, a World Bank advisor, and a former Health Minister of Sweden. International operations are supported by Read Ambassadors in Saudi Arabia, USA, Egypt, Iran/Germany, and the UK. Marketing relies on organic social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn), earned broadcast media (Planet FM 87.6, ATV, Kay2 TV, PTV Home), content marketing via READblogs, and event-based engagement through READtalks, National Readers Conference, and the Literary Lodge show.

Name

Read Pakistan

Legal name

Read Pakistan Trust

Website

https://readpakistan.org.pk

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Read Pakistan is an Islamabad-based non-profit trust founded in 2011 that promotes reading culture among Pakistani youth through university book clubs, school libraries, reading competitions, conferences, and international chapters across the Middle East, UK, USA, and Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Literacy Promotion and Education Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Library, Reading Motivation & Independent Reading Programs (EDAMAJAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Literature & Book Clubs / Guided Reading Groups (EDAMAJAG), K–12 Remedial Reading & Literacy Intervention (EDANAJAA), Reading Comprehension & Close Reading Enrichment (EDAMAJAB), Digital Reading Content & eBooks (Leveled Readers, Libraries) (EDAFACAH), eBook & Digital Reading Platforms (BPAMAJAK), Foundational Reading & Writing Literacy (EDAAAAAA)

Keywords

• Literacy promotion programs
• School library establishment
• Reading culture advocacy
• University book clubs
• Nonprofit education services

Headquarters

HQ city

Islamabad

HQ country

Pakistan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Revenue from membership programs including regular and paid membership tiers. Members receive benefits such as discounts from partner organizations.
2. Donations and Sponsorships: Funding from individual donors, corporate sponsors, and supporters to fund library establishment and literacy programs.
3. Partner Member Benefits: MOU partnerships with businesses offering exclusive discounts to Read Pakistan members, creating value proposition for membership enrollment.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels13 records

Core offering

Read Pakistan is a non-profit NGO that promotes a reading culture across Pakistan and internationally through programs including school and public libraries (100,000 School Libraries initiative), university book clubs (BookClubs/Book Beetles), reading competitions (50 Books A Year Competition), motivational speaking series (READtalks, Literary Lodge), and the annual National Readers Conference. The organization also operates membership and ambassador programs supported by donations, sponsorships, and partner discounts.

Product overview

Read Pakistan is an NGO promoting reading culture in Pakistan through a portfolio of interconnected programs. Its core offerings include the 50 Books A Year Competition (reading challenge), READtalks (motivational speaking series), BookClubs (university-based reading groups in 63+ locations), CybeRead (digital reading initiative), Literary Lodge (video talk show), and Human Evolution Through Books (humanology education series). The organization also operates library establishment programs including 100,000 School Libraries initiative and two Public Libraries, alongside the annual National Readers Conference (NRC). Additional offerings include READblogs content platform and membership programs for volunteers and student ambassadors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• READtalks: Global talks series to kindle reading fervor and thirst for books through inciting talks by seasoned scholars and promising professionals
• Book Beetles
• Literary Lodge
• Human Evolution Through Books
• 50 Books A Year Competition

Products and services

• 50 Books A Year Competition Reading competition program where university students read 50 books over a year, with awards including Kindle devices, cash prizes, and certificates for top performers.
• READtalks Motivational speaking series featuring international scholars discussing the benefits of reading from personal development to national evolution. Conducted in Urdu, English, and regional languages.
• BookClubs (Book Beetles) University-based book clubs organized in over 63 locations across Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, conducting both online and offline activities to enhance reading love among youth.
• CybeRead Digital reading initiative with dedicated team including Cyber Sultan, Cyber Dux, and Cyber Praetor roles for social media and online book club coordination.
• 100,000 School Libraries Initiative Initiative to establish school libraries in public schools across Pakistan, targeting 15.4 million school-going children and helping 25 million out-of-school children.
• School Libraries Establishment of school libraries in partnership with Army Public Schools (125 libraries), Moawin Foundation, Pakistan Sweet Home, and other organizations across Pakistan.
• Public Libraries Public access libraries including Farzana Farooq Library in Kotigram (serving 40,000 people from 20 villages) and Nasreen Sultana Library in Gilgit (benefiting 12 villages).
• Literary Lodge YouTube and Facebook show covering global literature discussions, educational topics, Ed-tech, and library topics. Aired twice weekly, hosted by RJ Fawad.
• Human Evolution Through Books Collaborative project with International Institute of Humanology exploring Humanology discipline through book discussions on topics like empowerment, violence against women, and personal growth.
• National Readers Conference (NRC) Annual national conference to promote reading as a national habit, featuring panel discussions, reading and writing competitions, stage plays, and awards ceremonies.
• READblogs Blog platform featuring articles on teaching, book reviews, parenting, educational technology, school systems, libraries, and reading/writing topics.
• Membership Programs Various membership options including standard membership, paid membership, international membership, read volunteers, and student ambassadors programs, offering partner discounts and community access.

Quantifiable outcome

• 54+ libraries established over a decade
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

39 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Embassy of PortugalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 January 2025Deputy Head of Mission Alexandra Baptista attended NRC 2025; Ambassador Frederico Silva presented awards. Strong diplomatic partnership for literacy promotion.
• Embassy of BelgiumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 January 2025First Secretary Mr. Gilles Hachez attended NRC 2025 and presented awards to competition winners.
• Faisalabad Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 August 2023Meeting to explore collaboration opportunities for promoting literacy through business community.
• Fatima Jinnah Women UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 November 2021MOU signed with Vice Chancellor Dr. Saima Hamid for book clubs and reading activities.
• Rawalpindi Women UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 October 2021MOU signed with Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Anila Kamal for book clubs and reading programs.
• Government College Women University FaisalabadcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 September 2021MOU signed by VC Prof. Dr. Robina Farooq for collaboration on reading promotion activities.
• FAST NUCES Chiniot-FaisalabadcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 September 2021MOU signing ceremony attended by Chairman Farrukh Dall and CEO Syeda Fatima Hasan Gillani. Collaboration on activities to promote reading among FAST CFD student body.
• Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University Nerian SharifcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 September 2021MOU for promoting book reading culture and 50 Books A Year Competition.
• Pakistan Sweet HomecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019MOU to establish libraries in all 31 centers of Pakistan Sweet Home (orphan children centers) across Pakistan.
• Wah UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU renewal for reader conferences, book clubs, and reading competitions. University hosts chapter activities and participates in 50 Books A Year Competition.
• GCWU FaisalabadcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU renewal for promoting reading culture, reader conferences, and book clubs at Government College Women University Faisalabad.
• University of GujratcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU renewal for promoting love of books and reading across Pakistan through competitions and book clubs.
• University of PeshawarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU for reading competitions, National Reader Conference, writing competitions, and book clubs. Aims to enhance student development.
• Abasyn University PeshawarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU for reading competitions, National Reader Conference, writing competitions, and book clubs.
• FAST National University PeshawarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU for fostering love for reading among students through competitions and book clubs.
• IISAT University GujranwalacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU to ingrain reading habit through reading competitions, literary events, and reader conferences.
• KIPS College IslamabadcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU for book clubs, reading competitions, workshops, and conferences to instill passion for reading in students.
• Khyber School of Sciences KotigramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU for participation in 50 Books A Year Competition.
• American LycetuffminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU for promoting literacy and education among private school network.
• GIFT University GujranwalacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaunched 50 Books A Year Competition 2023 at university event organized by Dr. Taimur Kayani and Dr. Shahid Qureshi.
• HITEC UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZindagi Prize sponsored by JS Bank held at university, CEO invited as speaker.
• Army Public School (APS) SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU in 2019 for establishment of 125 libraries in Army Public Schools across Pakistan, benefiting 110,000+ children.
• Moawin FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgreement to establish Read Pakistan Libraries in all public schools adopted by Moawin Foundation. First phase: 7 libraries in Sheikhupura.
• Islamabad Medical and Surgical HospitalminorOthersExclusive partnership offering Read Pakistan members up to 20% discount on healthcare services at G-6 Islamabad location.
• BookGroupminorOthersEsteemed publisher offering Read Pakistan members exclusive 25% discount on books.
• Maqbool BooksminorOthersPublisher offering Read Pakistan members exclusive 20% discount on books.
• Paramount BooksminorOthersVirtual MOU signing with publisher to boost education and support Read Pakistan initiatives.
• Northwest General Hospital PeshawarminorOthersVirtual partnership offering Read Pakistan members exclusive healthcare discounts.
• Multiple Restaurant PartnersminorOthersVarious restaurants (BBQ Bazar F-7, Cinque Diplomatic Enclave, Bam Bam F-10, Balkh F-10, Koffeenet, Karim's Cafe, HujRa Cafe, Koolza, Eatly F-7) offering 10-20% discounts to members.
• Arena of Aesthetic IslamabadminorOthersExclusive 15% discount on skincare services for Read Pakistan members.
• Trek LawminorOthersSupporting partner providing legal services or support.
• Islamabad Diagnostic CenterminorOthersSupporting partner offering diagnostic services.
• MarhamminorOthersHealthcare platform supporting Read Pakistan mission.
• Quaid-e-Azam International HospitalminorOthersSupporting partner for healthcare services.
• Rotary InternationalminorOthersSupporting partner in literacy promotion efforts.
• Volunteer Force PakistanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on digital media conclave and literacy promotion events.
• National Library of PakistanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for READ Talk International Session on 'Reading in Digital World' held at National Library.
• Portugal EmbassyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEO met with Portuguese Ambassador Frederico Silva to discuss Read Pakistan mission, vision, libraries and projects including National Reader's Conference.
• RUNG School of Music & ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEO invited to book review event at RUNG School for discussion on 'Whispers in the Stones' by Peer Syed Mudassir Shah.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• LitWorld: Global literacy non-profit working on reading advocacy and youth literacy programs. Comparable mission of cultivating reading habits and running literacy communities.
• African Library Project: Non-profit establishing small libraries in African communities through book drives and partnerships. Comparable grassroots library-establishment model and volunteer-led chapter structure, though in a different geography.
• BookSpring: Non-profit building literacy skills in children through book ownership and reading programs. Comparable youth-literacy mission and partnership-driven distribution model.

Direct peers

• Room to Read: Global non-profit focused on literacy and gender equality in education, operating school libraries and reading programs across South Asia including Pakistan. Most directly comparable mission, scale, and library-establishment model.
• Libraries Without Borders: International non-profit deploying libraries and reading programs in underserved communities. Comparable mission and library-establishment approach, with international chapter-like geographic spread.
• Pratham Books (StoryWeaver): India-based non-profit publisher of affordable children's books and operator of StoryWeaver digital reading platform. Comparable mission of increasing children's access to quality reading material, with adjacent geography.

Broad incumbents

• National Book Foundation (Pakistan): Government-affiliated body promoting books and reading in Pakistan through fairs, libraries, and publications. Comparable mission of cultivating reading culture but operates as a state-backed entity rather than an NGO.
• The Asia Foundation: Large international development organization running Books for Asia and literacy programs across Pakistan. Comparable end beneficiary (reading access) but at significantly larger scale and broader programmatic scope.

Regional players

• Pakistan Library and Information Management Society: Pakistan-based professional association for librarians and reading advocates. Comparable focus on strengthening library infrastructure and reading culture in Pakistan.
• Alif Laila Book Bus Society: Pakistan-based non-profit operating mobile and community libraries to promote literacy among children. Most comparable Pakistan-specific peer, addressing the same structural access-to-books gap.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ereadpak
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCqtd_ZrebMCKCdQ1iJweolQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/ereadpak
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ereadpak
• Instagraminstagram.com/ereadpak

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Read Pakistan