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ISLAMABAD Federal Minister for Education Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali announced that National Book Day will be celebrated every year both at the federal and provincial level to promote book reading habits for the new generation.
He was addressing at the National Book Day function organised by the National Book Foundation (NBF) in collaboration with Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), National Language Authority (NLA), Iqbal Academy, Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE).
The federal minister said that all the provinces will be taken onboard so that the day could be celebrated officially across the country especially in rural and far flung areas. Sardar Aseff endorsed the recommendations of NBF and extended his support for the cause of promoting book reading habit.
Managing Director NBF Mazharul Islam the foundation has taken a unique initiative to celebrate first ever national Book Day in the country.
“It is for the first time in the history of Pakistan that a day in the life of the nation will be dedicated to books to highlight the importance of reading in the economic, cultural and intellectual advancement of the country,” he said.
The foundation was established in 1972 by Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to provide quality books to the students on discount rates to inculcate book reading habit.
Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto both had a great love for books which was reflected in their writings.
BB book Reconciliation Islam, Democracy and Westis the valuable addition in literature and also gives direction to the nation towards democracy.
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Education Minister Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali both are good writers and supporting NBF for the promotion of book reading culture.
NBF is working on strings of projects including Village book club, children book club, free mind prisoners book club and travellers book club.
He also urged people to join hands with the NBF in its fight against ignorance, illiteracy, extremism and for promotion of book reading to strengthen the cause of peace, harmony and tolerance in society.
Literary organizations Imkan, Aaina, Zavia, Halqa Arbab-e- Zauq, Idara Adab-o-Saqafat, Danish and Pakistan Library Association took part in events. -APP
