Board games and book clubs build community in Karachi
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Zainul Hassan Siddiqui, a lawyer who recently moved to Karachi, Pakistan, found it difficult to make friends and began attending organised board-game nights to meet people.
He quickly formed close bonds with fellow players, meeting them outside of events and playing strategy games for hours. Siddiqui’s experience reflects a broader trend of people in Pakistan seeking in-person activities to combat isolation and reduce screen time.
Taha Jawed and his wife started Boardgame Baithak, a community in Karachi that now has over 200 members, to connect people interested in board games beyond common titles like Ludo and Monopoly. They host events where fifteen to twenty people typically gather to learn and play new games, with many participants becoming regular attendees and even forming connections outside of game nights.
Sidrah Ramzan, a copywriter and mother, also found the gatherings a welcome escape from scrolling social media, enjoying the friendly atmosphere and making new acquaintances. Others are finding connection through literature. Saniya Imtiaz established Pakistan Book Readers Club in 2016, hoping to revive conversations around books and ideas. The club holds small reading sessions in multiple cities, encouraging discussion and exchange of perspectives, and has fostered a community where members share books and support one another’s literary pursuits.
While some prefer reading alone, like marketing executive Saadia Khan, many appreciate the chance to discuss books and discover new authors.
