Decline in book reading lamented

Four books launched at NLA.

Writers, poets and intellectuals expressed concern at the decline in book reading and called for steps to revive and promote it, said a press release issued by the NLA in Islamabad on Tuesday.

They were speaking at the launch of four books at the National Language Authority (NLA). “Although the internet and technology have occupied greater space, it is not a replacement for reading books,” they said.

NLA Chairman Dr Anwaar Ahmad said promotion of book reading is “our basic responsibility, and keeping this responsibility in mind, NLA has initiated several activities”. Talking about Dr Rubina Tareen’s book, Tareekh-i-Adbiaat Multan, prominent historian and scholar Ahmad Saleem said rulers have not been able to understand the historical and cultural importance of Multan. Appreciating work of Dr Tareen, he said she and other scholars from the region are now researching on the Sufis of the region.

Hanif Khalil spoke about Sajaad Ahmad’s book, Kohat ki adbi Khidmaat. He said historians ignored the work of literary figures from the Kohat region. Dr Najeeb Jamal and Humera Isfaaq commented on Rubeena Almas’s book, “Urdu Afsanay main Jalawatni ka Izhar”.

Khawar Nawazish’s book, “Mashir-e-Adab Khar Zar-e-Siasat Main” was also launched and Dr Salahuddin Darwish reviewed the book. He said that with the exceptions of Gul Khan Naseer and Ajmal Khattak, many literary figures could not succeed in politics despite their fame in literature.

Renowned TV artist Sohail Younas presented bouquet to Dr Anjum Hameed. The event was presided over by Pakistan Academy of Letters Chairman Ch Abdul Hameed.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23^rd, 2012.