The popularity of digital devices and the internet has also brought a decline in book reading habits
KARACHI: Richard Steele said, “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” Books play a vital role in the character building of an individual. Books are a great source of knowledge that helps in sharpening our verbal abilities, expanding our horizons of thinking and reducing stress. Unfortunately, in Pakistan 75% of students do not read any books other than their textbooks. Only 9% are avid readers.
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. The habit of book reading is declining with an incredible speed in this modern age. The root of the problem lies in our flawed education system that doesn’t encourage students to read books other than their specified textbooks. The popularity of digital devices and the internet has also brought a decline in book reading habits. Parents also do not encourage their children to read. In addition, there aren’t enough libraries in the country. To revive the diminishing culture of reading what we immediately need is to inculcate the love for books in our children. Besides, an extended network of public libraries coupled with readers clubs can rejuvenate this habit. Moreover, a media campaign can also play a vital role in rescuing this shredding culture.
Moona Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, April 10th, 2020.
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