“THE invention of paper in our history marks a milestone in every other progress and improvement known to man”. Paper was once considered the great invention of China. It revolutionised with time.

Nowadays we see a rapid increase in the invention of new gadgets that provide the facility of e-books. These latest gadgets are replacing the paper. Youngsters prefer use of tablets, mobile phone, laptops and I-phones more than they pick up their textbooks.

According to a survey, “more than 50 per cent of media tablet owners prefer to read news, magazines and books on screen rather than on paper.”

Important documents such as birth certificates, marriage licences, mark-sheets and diplomas are still produced on paper.

Businesses and important transactional documents are founded on paper, scrapbooks, photographs and diaries preserve our collective memories on paper. We, therefore, see a long history of paper and its use.

It was with paper production that we become more civilised. Currency was also first invented in the form of a banknote in China during the Song dynasty.

There is still a large number of readers who prefer books over tablets and laptops. However, paper in the form of books, newspapers, magazines, photographs, dairies, etc., will always remain significant in our lives.

ANZAL AMJAD Karachi