KARACHI: A landmark anthology documenting a century of Rotary’s humanitarian service in Pakistan was unveiled at the Rotary International District 3271 Installation Ceremony for the 2026-27 term, marking a significant milestone in preserving the organization’s historical legacy.
Titled “From 1927 to Pakistan 2027: 100 Years of Rotary Service in Pakistan”, the book was compiled by former Rotary president Syed Kashif Rafi and is being described as the first comprehensive account of Rotary’s century-long journey in the country.
The book was launched during the installation ceremony of District Governor 2026-27 Shahzad Sabir and was attended by Rotary International Director 2025-27 Jennifer A. Scott as the chief guest.
The publication was produced under the leadership of District Governor 2025-26 Shakeel Kaim Khani following more than a year of research, archival documentation and editorial work. Published by the Rotary Humanitarian Trust, the anthology traces the evolution of Rotary in Pakistan from the chartering of the first Rotary Club in Lahore in 1927 to the movement’s approaching centenary in 2027.
Speaking on the occasion, Syed Kashif Rafi said the publication was more than a historical record, describing it as a tribute to generations of Rotarians who had dedicated themselves to the ideal of “Service Above Self.”
“This book belongs to every Rotarian who has contributed to improving lives through service. While documenting Rotary’s journey in Pakistan, we discovered countless stories of compassion, leadership and selfless commitment that deserve to be preserved for future generations,” he said.
Former Rotary International director Muhammad Faiz Kidwai said the publication represented a significant contribution to the organization’s institutional memory.
“A history spanning a century is built through the collective efforts of thousands of volunteers. By documenting that journey, this work ensures that Rotary’s legacy in Pakistan will continue to inspire future generations,” he said.
Project Patron and former district governor Muhammad Iqbal Qureshi described the anthology as a gift from one generation of Rotarians to the next. It would serve as both a historical record and a guide for Rotary’s second century of service in Pakistan.
According to the publishers, the anthology has been conceived as a permanent archival resource documenting Rotary’s humanitarian initiatives, institutional development and community service across Pakistan over the past 100 years.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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