Speakers at a books-launching ceremony stressed for the need to revive book-reading culture in Pakistan. They said this while addressing the books-launching ceremony organised by the National Language Authority (NLA) wherein four books were launched.
The speakers said although internet and technology has occupied the space of book reading but it was not replacement of book reading. While addressing the participants, NLA Chairman Dr Anwaar said promotion of book reading is our basic responsibility. So keeping this responsibility in mind, the National Language Authority had initiated several activities. Talking about the Dr Rubina Tareen’s book ‘Tareekh-i-Adbiaat Multan’, prominent historian and scholar Ahmad Saleem said that rulers could not understand the historical and cultural importance of Multan. He said Multan is geographically located in the mid of several cultures and civilizations as its boarder touches Sindh, Makran and Iran. Appreciating work of Dr Rubina Tareen, he said Tareen and other scholars of the region were working to figure out pro and anti-establishment Sufis of the region. Hanif Khalil spoke about the Sajaad Ahmad’s book “Kohat Ki Adbi Khidmaat”. He said historians ignored the work of literary figures of Kohat region. Dr Najeeb Jamal and Humera Isfaaq commented on Rubeena Almas’s book “Urdu Afsanay Main Jalawatni Ka Izhar”. Book of Khawar Nawazish “Mashir-e-Adab Khar Zar-e-Siasat Main” was also launched on the occasion and Dr Salluhdin Derwesh reviewed this book. He said many literary figures could not succeed in politics but they got fame in literature, however, Gul Khan Naseer and Ajmal Khattak were exceptions.
Renowned TV artist Sohail Younas presented bouquet to Dr Anjum Hameed for repaid publications of literary books. The event was presided over by Ch Abdul Hameed, Chairman Pakistan Academy of Letters. He said the NLA and PAL jointly worked for the promotion of literary work.
