Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Promotion of social sciences, literature and book reading are vital to promote peace and tolerance in the society.

This was the crux of various discussions held during a book festival at Pak-China Friendship Centre by the National Book Foundation (NBF).

Speakers at the seminar which was titled Role Of Universities In Promotion Of Book Culture said that the use of modern technology and innovative methods to motivate youth for booking reading and increasing budget allocations for university libraries, establishment of book shops and organising book fairs by NBF for provision of books at discounted prices to promote book reading culture at the university campuses were very important.

NBF Ambassador Murtaza Noor highlighted the background and objectives of the dialogue. He shared that in Pakistan, the total member of universities has increased to 187 with more than 107 sub campuses and enrollment of more than 1.5 million students.

Shah Abdul Latif University Pro Vice Chancellor Dr Yousaf Khushk said on the occasion that book review culture could be helpful in promoting book reading among students. He also underlined the importance of innovative methods for creation of knowledge instead of only focusing on traditional role of teaching and research.

The speakers unanimously said that books had a vital role in studies and training but instead of taking benefit from this valuable treasure, “We just lock them up in cupboards.”

They also highlighted the effective role of the faculty in encouraging book reading habits among students.

The participants during a Q&A session recommended the revival of literary societies and study circles, promotion of extra-curricular activities, extending library closing hours and effective use of digital libraries in order to encourage reading habits among the youth.

During another seminar titled Overseas Pakistani Authors, Sahibzada Sultan Ahmad Ali said that Pakistani writers had contributed immensely. He said that it was being said that Pakistani people did not buy books but contrary to this, in reality the Pakistani people bought books in millions of rupees.

Published in Daily Times, April 9^th 2018.