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KARACHI, Dec 29 (APP):Senator Sarmad Ali, Chairman Senate Library Committee and President, All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), inaugurated the second edition of the Karachi Festival of Books and Libraries (KFBL) in a graceful ceremony here at the Habitt City on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Sarmad highlighted the virtues of book reading and urged the people not to abandon the passion of reading books despite the invasion of digital gadgets.
“It is universally accepted that books change our lives and enhance our wisdom and vision. We must continue reading books to keep progressing in life and achieving our goals,” he remarked.
“My mission is to promote book reading culture and play my due role in this direction at the national level. He suggested designating and celebrating a National Library Day as well as National Book Reading Day every year,” Senator Sarmad, who heads Senate of Pakistan’s Library Committee, observed.
Senator Sarmad backed the proposal of holding similar Festival of Books and Libraries in Lahore, Islamabad and other cities of Pakistan, besides continuing to do it in Karachi, assuring his full support to such events, which, he reckoned, will revive the reading culture.
However, he expressed optimism over the revival of reading culture, citing the Karachi International Book Fair, which attracted nearly 500,000 visitors.
Upon arrival, he was welcomed by the KFBL Co-founders, Aziz Memon and Syed Khalid Mahmood. The opening session was also attended by Murad Ali Mohmand, Secretary, National Book Foundation (NBF), Hasnain Shah, Assistant Director, and National Library of Pakistan (NLP), besides former cricket umpire, Mahboob Shah, and renowned hotelier, Azeem Qureshi.
Aziz Memon, International President of the English-Speaking Union (ESU), announced that the KFBL, launched in 2024, will now be expanded to Lahore and Islamabad, with the collaboration of various stakeholders, next year, as he felt that such events were vitally important for improving the mental health of the nation.
Syed Khalid Mahmood, who conducted the proceedings, informed the audience about the salient features of the 2nd KFBL 2025, which will continue until tomorrow (Tuesday). More than a dozen sessions, to be participated and moderated by leading personalities, are planned to be held during the two-day festival.
All the speakers appreciated the KFBL Co-founders for putting together a big event and such a major venue. Dr Beenish Khalid was recognized on the occasion for her overwhelming contribution in promoting the event. A large number of intellectuals and high achievers from different fields of life also attended the opening ceremony.