Two young Pakistani students have achieved international recognition in the 9th Oxford Big Read (OBR) competition, a global literary event aimed at promoting reading among students.

Droshum Ali, a Grade 9 student from Aga Khan Higher Secondary School in Karachi, secured the Global Runner-Up position in Level III (Grades 7-9), while Anabia Imtanan, a Grade 6 student from Winnington School in Khewra, achieved the same honor in Level II (Grades 4-6).

The competition, which ran from December 7, 2023, attracted 1,142 participants from across Pakistan. The national winners then competed against students from various other countries including Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, and India.

Oxford University Press (OUP), organizers of the event, praised all participants for their efforts and acknowledged the crucial role of schools, teachers, and parents in fostering a love of reading