Islamabad (Khyber Mail): The National Readers’ Conference (NRC) 2025, organized by Syeda Fatima Hassan Gillani, CEO of Read Pakistan, and her team, concluded successfully on January 24 at the Serena Hotel, Islamabad. The event brought together readers, writers, educators, and intellectuals to celebrate and promote literacy and education as catalysts for societal progress.
The conference served as a vibrant platform for discussions on the transformative power of reading. Esteemed speakers, including Alexandra Baptista (Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Portugal), Gillez Hachez (First Secretary, Embassy of Belgium), Farhan Aziz Khwaja (Director General, Civil Services Academy Lahore), and award-winning authors Dr. Rakshanda Parveen and Dr. Sadiqullah Khan, shared their insights on literacy’s role in shaping a progressive society.
Panel discussions featured industry veterans such as Sadaf Raza (Reiki Master), Faisal Malik (EdTech Expert), Sanobar Nazir (Writer and Activist), and Maya Sofia Hamidi (Principal of RUNG School of Music and Arts), who addressed topics ranging from literature’s influence on critical thinking to the integration of arts in education.
The event also included engaging activities such as book launches, interactive sessions, and competitions in essay writing, poetry recitation, and storytelling. Young readers and writers were celebrated for their talent, with special recognition given to Amna Usman for reading 100 books and Muhammad Bin Umar, the youngest participant at just seven years old. Winners were awarded shields, presented by representatives of the Embassies of Portugal and Belgium.
In her address, Syeda Fatima Hassan Gillani expressed gratitude to attendees and supporters, emphasizing the importance of fostering a love for books in Pakistan. “The National Readers’ Conference is a testament to our collective commitment to building a reading culture. We are deeply inspired by the enthusiasm of our participants,” she said.
The NRC 2025 concluded with a renewed call to action for individuals and communities to champion literacy and education. Read Pakistan remains steadfast in its mission to empower society by promoting the transformative power of reading and knowledge.