A recent survey conducted by Gallup and Gillani Foundation Pakistan shows that 75% of Pakistani students do not read
ISLAMABAD: Not long ago, the culture of reading books was a visible mark of the educated lot — books were considered the source of knowledge for developing verbal abilities, improving concentration, enhancing imagination, boosting entertainment and reducing stress. However, over the years reading habits have faded away even among the highly educated. A recent survey conducted by Gallup and Gillani Foundation Pakistan shows that 75% of Pakistani students do not read any books other than their textbooks. That too is only to pass their exams.
Reading is considered as a building block for character and society. It opens up a world of knowledge and is crucial for lifelong learning. However, it seems that reading a book in a library has become an archaic idea, in this age of internet. No doubt, technology has helped developed society in different ways, but it is simultaneously taking away the charm of life which we grew up with. If not encouraged, reading books would become a habit of the older generation only. In order to sustain a strong reading culture among children, we must stop misusing technology.
During the 90s, there were many public libraries and bookshops in major cities of the country. Now, as people resort to social or electronic media, hardly any bookshops survive. Students mostly resort to a cursory reading of the text on social media as they remain obsessed with the idea of ‘sharing’ material online. As an avid reader, reading off a screen strains my eyes, even if it is a short novella, but I can read the hard copy of books for hours. It is the habit of reading books that has instilled tolerance and respect for diverging opinions in me — which is desperately needed for the youngsters to combat extremist worldviews.
In order to promote the culture of reading, students must be encouraged to hold study circles and writing book-reviews, among other activities. Also, a public-private partnership is needed for libraries and reading related projects.
Taj Nabi Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, July 08th, 2019.
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