The five-day event was spread over eighty segments. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, present at the event, lauded the organisers for their efforts and said the message of peace, love and brotherhood reached every nook and corner of Pakistan and NBF played a vital role in reaching out to everyone.
The minister also presented awards to well-known scholars Agha Nisar and Ajmal Siraj for their meritorious contributions to literature.
NBF Managing Director Dr Inamul Haq Javeid said the festival aimed to spread and promote book reading culture among people, particularly the youth.
The five-day event was spread over eighty segments. The main theme and focus of these segments revolved around books. It aimed to promote culture and education among the people. Besides, books were sold at discounted prices at book stalls.
An evening was celebrated with the famous writer, Intizar Hussain and another with humorous poet Anwar Masood. In the book reading session, the sanctity and glory of the book was upheld. Renowned writer Ataul Haq Qasmi, Zahida Hina, Muhammad Hameed Shahid and Asghar Nadeem Syed read out some selective portions of their books whereas Anwar Shaoor, Sehr Ansari and Shahnaz Shaikh recited verses from poetry books. Multiple programmes for children were also arranged at the festival.
A musical show, ‘Sufi Night’, was also held at the closing night. Renowned artists Sanam Marvi, Shiraz Opal, Riaz Qadri and Sher Miandad entertained the audience with their unique styles of singing and melodious voices. Well-reputed TV artist Shahnaz Shaikh was the host.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 27th, 2015.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ