Book festival kicks off at Lok Virsa

Showcases mix of book launches, literary sessions and creative workshops

ISLAMABAD:

The National Book Foundation's (NBF) 11th National Book Festival began on Tuesday at Lok Virsa, aiming to promote a culture of reading, creativity, and lifelong learning among students, families, and young readers. Organisers of the three-day event announced a diverse and vibrant line-up of activities designed to engage visitors of all ages.

The festival opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training Farah Naz Akbar, senior officials of the Ministry of Education, and Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) Chairman Board of Trustees Kazim Saeed, among others. Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui graced the event as chief guest.

In his remarks, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi expressed gratitude for the invitation and underscored the importance of promoting a strong reading culture in society. Addressing distinguished guests, NBF officials, teachers, and students, he said the festival reflects the nation's deep-rooted connection with books, intellectual growth, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge. He noted that the NBF's longstanding tradition embodies the country's collective belief in the power of learning, research, and reading.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui quoted Socrates, who said nearly 2,500 years ago that a person's book is their identity—an identity recognised by others. As we move from this century into the next, he added, the book remains a symbol of who we are.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training Farah Naz Akbar thanked Dr Siddiqui for bringing students together and supporting a well-organized programme. "This three-day event has made one thing clear: books still hold great importance. They remain essential in our lives, and we must continue to read them," she said, noting with concern that reading habits have declined.

NBF Managing Director Dr Kamran Jahangir highlighted that the "Reading and Learning Festival" is the first of its kind where both themes run in parallel.