APROPOS the article ‘Reading Quetta’ (Eos, Feb 23). The writer has depicted a bleak picture of the culture of reading books in Quetta. He states that the culture of reading is dying in Balochistan’s capital and has presented only a glass-empty aspect.

Although the culture of book reading has diminished in Quetta, new state of the art libraries are being established to promote the habit of reading among the people of Balochistan.

One of these libraries is Shuhda 8th August Public Digital Library, established and run by the Shaheed Baz Muhammad Kakar Foundation.

The library set up in Shahbaz Town has different sections. A digital section gives round-the-clock online access. There is also a separate section for women and a conference hall. Students and book lovers start visiting the library from morning. The foundation is also working to open libraries in other parts of Balochistan. We hope to do our best, please wish us God speed.

Sidiq Dummar
Quetta

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2020