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ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (APP):National Book Foundation’s (NBF), 11th National Book Festival kicked off on Tuesday at Lok Virsa, aiming to promote a culture of reading, creativity, and lifelong learning among students, families, and young readers. Organizers of the three-day event announced a diverse and vibrant line-up of activities designed to engage visitors of all ages.
The event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Esteemed guests included Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training Farah Naz Akbar, Senior officials of Ministry of Education, and Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) Chairman Board of Trustees Kazim Saeed, among others.
Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui graced the event as a cheif guest.
In his address, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi expressed gratitude for the invitation and highlighted the importance of promoting a strong reading culture in society.
Addressing distinguished guests, officials of the National Book Foundation, teachers, and students, he said the festival represents the nation’s deep-rooted connection with books, intellectual growth, and the continuous journey of expanding knowledge. He noted that the National Book Foundation’s longstanding tradition reflects the country’s collective belief in the power of learning, research, and reading.
Khichi emphasized that such festivals are essential for the younger generation as they provide valuable exposure to literature, writers, poets, and the nation’s history.
“The more our youth learn about our authors, poets, and historical heritage, the more refined and enlightened their lives become,” he said.
He thanked the organizers and reaffirmed the importance of continuing such initiatives to cultivate a knowledgeable and intellectually vibrant society.
In his address, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui shared that Socrates, nearly 2,500 years ago, said a person’s book is their identity — and identity is what others acknowledge and recognize. As we move from this century into the next, the book continues to symbolize who we are.
“The very first command of our faith was Iqra — to read. Pakistan was achieved through great sacrifices; human freedom does not come by chance but by choice. Today, your efforts appear to be part of that very choice,” he remarked.
He emphasized that the nation must preserve its culture and traditions in all their vibrancy. The magic of the written word, he said, is that when it passes through the heart, it becomes illumination.
“Let us use this illumination to enlighten our people, and let us give wings to our time through knowledge, reflection, and understanding,” he concluded.
In her address, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training Farah Naz Akbar thanked Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui for bringing students together and arranging a well-organized programme.
“This is a three-day event, and one thing has become very clear: books still hold great importance. They remain essential in our lives, and we must continue to read them,” she remarked, expressing concern that the habit of reading has declined.
She shared that, in her childhood, her mother would always take her to the bookstall. “There was a strong book culture — we were encouraged to read, and before sleeping, we were told to read at least two or three pages. Today, that culture has changed with the arrival of mobile phones. Nevertheless, the importance of reading remains unmatched.”
Farah added that she also visited the bookstalls at the festival. She congratulated the Managing Director of the National Book Foundation and his team for organizing an excellent event and expressed hope that the festival would be successful and continue every year.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the National Book Foundation Dr. Kamran Jahangir said that the “Reading and Learning Festival” is the first event of its kind in which both activities will run side by side. The three-day festival is for students, the general public, and all those who have a passion for books.
He expressed gratitude to Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division, Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi, and all partners whose support made the festival possible.
“Whenever we have needed assistance, their cooperation has helped make our work easier,” he said.
Highlighting a key feature of the event, he noted, “A 50% discount has been offered on books. For residents of the twin cities, this is a great opportunity to purchase books and build an excellent collection. Books are a person’s best friend and companion.”
The event features book launches, reading sessions, literary dialogues, and cultural discussions, creating a dynamic platform for writers, intellectuals, and book lovers. A mushaira, along with storytelling sessions for children, adds a traditional and family-friendly flavor to the festival.
Visitors can also participate in painting corners, creative workshops, and enjoy a relaxing ambiance with soft music. Stalls from leading publishers across Pakistan offer a wide range of books, providing readers the opportunity to explore new titles as well as classic literature.
The three-day event would conclude on November 27.