LAHORE: The Punjab Libraries Department has launched ‘National Book Movement’ to promote serious book reading, with the theme ‘One Year, One Book’.

Punjab Libraries Director General Kashif Manzoor stated that the movement’s objective is to encourage every citizen to read at least one book a year and to revive the culture of deep reading.

He said that in the age of mobile phones and social media, information is abundant, but the habit of thoughtful reading is declining.

Mr Manzoor emphasised that the movement aims to connect the younger generation with literature, particularly in regional languages, including Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi and Seraiki, along with Urdu and English.

For this purpose, the department willestablish book clubs, arrange author interaction sessions, book introductions, literary festivals and online reading activities.

Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2026