Islamabad:National Book Foundation’s 11th National Book Festival kicked off at Lok Virsa here on Tuesday 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. Education minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, who was the chief guest, said Socrates, nearly 2,500 years ago, said a person’s book was their identity, and identity is what others acknowledge and recognise.
He said as we move from this century into the next, the book continues to symbolise who we are. “The very first command of our faith was Iqra - to read. Pakistan was achieved through great sacrifices; human freedom does not come by chance but by choice. Today, your efforts appear to be part of that very choice,” he said.
The minister said the nation must preserve its culture and traditions in all their vibrancy. He said the magic of the written word was that when it passes through the heart, it becomes illumination. “Let us use this illumination to enlighten our people, and let us give wings to our time through knowledge, reflection, and understanding,” he said.
