Sunbeams & Broadway Pizza Mark Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day with “Pizza for a Cause” – *Advancing the Journey to 100% Literacy by 2047*
Rasheed Ahmad Chughtai
www.rachughtai.com
Islamabad – August 14, 2025 — On the 78th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence, the spirit of patriotism was coupled with a profound national mission — eradicating illiteracy and ensuring that by the 100th Independence Day in 2047, every child in Pakistan is able to read, write, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
The initiative, jointly organized by Sunbeams, a leading non-profit educational network, and Broadway Pizza, one of Pakistan’s most recognized food brands, transformed Independence Day celebrations into a platform for dialogue, fundraising, and advocacy for universal literacy.
The event, held in Islamabad, brought together donors, education advocates, and community members in a vibrant yet purposeful setting. Green and white flags adorned the venue, symbolizing national pride, while the gathering underscored the urgent reality: Pakistan’s literacy rate, currently hovering around 58–60%, must rise significantly if the country is to achieve sustainable socio-economic growth.
Speaking on the occasion, Sabeen Rashid, Head of Marketing at Sunbeams, emphasized the transformative role of education in nation-building:
> “This Independence Day is about more than celebrating the past — it’s about envisioning the Pakistan we want in 2047: a Pakistan where every child can read, write, and thrive. ‘Pizza for a Cause’ is a small but powerful way to unite people for this mission, and to remind us that education is the foundation of national strength and prosperity.”
Broadway Pizza’s collaboration in the event highlighted how the private sector can contribute meaningfully to social development. Kamran Tariq, Operations Head North, stated:
> “We believe that giving back to the community is part of our corporate responsibility. Partnering with Sunbeams allows us to support a cause that will define Pakistan’s future — children’s education. Each slice served today is a step toward a literate, empowered generation.”
Participants were introduced to the PK100 Movement, Sunbeams’ long-term vision to achieve 100% literacy by 2047, aligning with Pakistan’s centennial celebrations. The program aims to expand access to quality education in underserved rural and peri-urban communities through:
ICT-integrated classrooms
Teacher capacity-building and training
Centralized student performance assessments
*Co-curricular enrichment for holistic development*
Education experts at the event stressed that illiteracy is directly linked to cycles of poverty, unemployment, and social instability. Pakistan’s large youth population — nearly 64% under the age of 30 — represents both a challenge and an opportunity. If equipped with literacy and skills, this demographic can become a driver of innovation, productivity, and peace.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all attendees to contribute — whether through donations, volunteer work, or advocacy — toward making literacy a guaranteed right, not a privilege. As the nation celebrated 78 years of independence, “Pizza for a Cause” served as a reminder that patriotism is not just about honoring the past, but investing in a future where education is the backbone of progress.
About Sunbeams:
Sunbeams operates a chain of schools dedicated to providing quality education to underprivileged children in Pakistan’s remote and underserved areas. Its model combines technology-enhanced learning, teacher training, and structured assessment systems to break the cycle of poverty through education.
Rasheed Ahmad Chughtai
www.rachughtai.com