At that time, Dr. Muhammad Ilyas shifted from Saudi Arabia to Karachi and started bridge clubs, the first of which was opened at the Bangalore Town Hall near Tipu Sultan Road.

Eventually, it was able to establish its base underneath one of the stands at the National Stadium.

Young officers of the armed forces played it regularly to improve their mental acuity.

Eventually, the civilian population also started playing it, and the game spread.

So far, Pakistani players have won 34 medals in international competitions.