Secretary Education GB visits NBF

ISLAMABAD, Nov 12 (APP): Secretary Education, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Zafar Waqar Taj, accompanied by District Education Officer Faisal Shakir, visited the National Book Foundation (NBF).

On the occasion, Zafar Waqar Taj, a renowned poet and literary figure of the Shina language from Gilgit-Baltistan, expressed keen interest in NBF’s efforts to promote books and literature, cultivate reading habits among children and preserve the literary heritage of national languages.

NBF Secretary Dr Khan Farhan Rifat and Director Headquarters Murad Ali Mohmand warmly welcomed the delegation and gave a detailed briefing on the background and objectives of the establishment of the National Book Foundation, its publishing projects, and its academic and literary services.

They explained that NBF was consistently striving to make quality books accessible to readers at affordable prices, develop a passion for reading among the younger generation and promote intellectual and literary activities. They added that publishing informative and quality books for children and young people, encouraging writers and promoting educational and research-based material were among the institution’s key priorities.

Murad Ali Mohmand further informed the delegation that the National Book Foundation organises book fairs, literary gatherings, discussions, book launches, meetings with authors and storytelling sessions for children in different parts of the country to promote a culture of books and reading.

Later, the delegation undertook a guided tour of the National Book Museum, where its members were introduced to rare copies of the Holy Quran, the art of calligraphy, special sections dedicated to Pakistan’s regional languages, and exhibitions showcasing the country’s prominent national, academic and literary personalities and cultural heritage.

The delegation also visited the Indonesian Corner and NBF Bookshop and showed interest in the books available on various subjects.

On the occasion, Zafar Waqar Taj appreciated the National Book Foundation’s publishing initiatives, literary activities and, particularly, its ongoing efforts to promote reading among children. He described the National Book Museum as an important centre for introducing and preserving the country’s intellectual, literary and cultural heritage.

The delegation members also appreciated the vision and administrative strategy of Managing Director National Book Foundation Dr Kamran Jahangir, for effectively advancing the institution’s activities and promoting a culture of reading.

NBF representatives Humais Qadeer, Qamar Saeed and Taskeen Qureshi were also present on the occasion.