TAXILA: The first ever book mela in the history of district Attock attracted intellectual, literary personalities, book ambassadors, book lovers, educationists, writers, poets, artists, students of educational institutions on Monday.

The book mela was organised by municipal committee at its lawn.

Poets, writers, story tellers and literary personalities belonging to Attock also established their stall where they showcased their books and collections.

Municipal Committee Chairman Nasir Mehmood Sheikh while addressing the inauguration ceremony said such events were missing in the city for the last many years.

He said perhaps, books were the worst victims of advancements in information technology while declining standard of education was detrimental to the development of good reading habits among youngsters.

He said although Attock district was blessed with many talented poets, writers and storytellers, their work was never publicly presented under one roof.

He said besides provision of civic facilities, the committee would play its role in promotion of cultural and literary activities.

Punjab Minister for Baitul Maal and Social Welfare Yawar Abbas Bukhari, who was the chief guest at the mela said that despite the revolution of social media and other form of information through internet the importance of book is evident from amount of passion the visitors showed at the event which highlighted people’s love for book reading. He was of the view that books played a vital role in people’s life.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2021