KARACHI:
What if Pakistan's mornings began with the gentle rustle of pages, not the buzz of notifications? Imagine citizens rising with the sun, exercising, sipping tea and indulging in the written word. A nation that reads together rises together.
Imagine an entire nation embracing this culture. Picture Pakistan prioritising reading alongside morning routines, surpassing other daily tasks in importance. Our citizens would start the day informed, inspired and mentally sharpened. This vision is not just a dream, it's a reality in many countries where reading is deeply ingrained.
People have seen it firsthand — seniors engrossed in books in parks, young minds exploring new worlds. The beauty of reading transcends age boundaries. It's a universal language, bridging gaps and fostering empathy. Yet, in Pakistan, this culture is waning. We're losing the benefits of reading, and our global standing suffers as a result.
Pakistan's decline in the international arena is alarming. We lag behind other countries in literacy rates, education and innovation. Technology, while simplifying life, has also distracted us from reading's value. We've traded pages for screens, sacrificing mental stimulation for instant gratification. The consequences are unbearable: a nation unprepared for the challenges of the 21st century.
The developed world recognises reading's transformative power. Citizens of these nations prioritise morning reading, cultivating informed minds and sharp intellects. In contrast, Pakistan's "wake up late, work late" culture has become the norm. We've abandoned the adage "early to bed, early to rise" and the benefits that come with it. So, can we shape our future? Will we continue down the path of neglect, or will we choose to revive our reading culture?
Mohammed Saleem
Hub
