LAHORE, Jan 27: Reading habits are dwindling gradually in all age groups, and this trend is being hastened by a majority of government schools without a proper library.

Presiding over a panel discussion on ‘Reading habits in Pakistan‘ here on Sunday at the Library Science and Information Department, Punjab University, Prof Afzal said overall reading habits had registered an alarming downturn in all educational institutions which he urged must be arrested.

He said young people and students should be given attention and care especially with reference to their eagerness to learn, which should be encouraged in good educational institutions with well-equipped libraries. Skilled teachers and staff should also encourage and inculcate this habit among children, he said.

He said: “All chairpersons of teaching departments have been directed to ensure provision of the latest relevant books in their respective libraries so that maximum number of students may benefit and enrich their knowledge.”

Prof Khalid Mahmood, taking part in the discussion, suggested that the government should set up ‘mini-libraries‘ in each primary school with necessary books in its future educational policy.

He urged the parents to encourage their children to read books, and set up small personal libraries at home to develop the reading habit among them.—APP