President Mamnoon Hussain Saturday said active participation in educational activities was essential to carry out study of political, economic, social and psychological factors behind issues of terrorism and extremism besides suggesting their solutions.
Addressing inaugural ceremony of National Book Fair on the occasion of National Book Day, the president said it was an important national activity that would prove to be a message of hope, life and light, not just for Pakistani nation but for the entire humanity.
The ceremony was attended by Adviser to the Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui, National Book Foundation Managing Director Professor Dr Inamul Haq Javed and a huge number of writers, publishers and book-lovers. The president lauded National History and Literary Heritage Division for rendering invaluable services for preservation and promotion of national literary heritage.
He also praised the National Book Foundation for working day and night with a missionary zeal to provide high standard and attractive books at affordable prices. The president, who also visited the stalls and different sections at Book Fair, particularly appreciated Kids Republic Corner saying the children were the future of the country.
He viewed, “Our future would be in safe hands and dream of our forefathers would come true if we succeed in making books a centre of attraction for our children.” The president was of the view that books broke the connection of humans with subversive forces and connected them with positivity, open up the windows of heart and mind and create an atmosphere of peace, fraternity and brotherhood. He said the books also made life beautiful by teaching people skills to cope with harsh realities of life and brings them closer to success despite difficulties.
“This is why through this book fair, my message to Pakistani nation and the whole humanity is to reconnect with books by breaking away from uncertainty to make this world a paradise,” he remarked.
Referring to China Pakistan Economic Corridor, the president said about four years ago, government saw a beautiful dream to connect Pakistan with different regions of the world, taking advantage of its geographical location.
“Each passing day is taking us closer to realization of our dream,” he added. “I am confident that after the operationalization of CPEC, Pakistan will achieve economic stability but for this hard work and expertise in contemporary sciences and arts is of utmost importance,” he said.
However, in this respect, heavy responsibility lied on National Book Foundation and other such publishing houses to ensure that students, researchers and educational institutions are never short of quality books.
He said, “The people, associated with this industry, should remain steadfast even if they face drop in their profit or have to work extra hard because facing little inconvenience today can secure our future.” He assured that the government would continue to cooperate at every stage in this noble endeavour.
In his address, Irfan Siddiqui highlighted the efforts, being made by his division for promotion of literary activities in the country were bringing positive outcomes.
He said the book fair gave an encouragement to the writers and advised the literary organization to strive for guiding the nation. He said good books were being written, published and read as well; however if media played due role to promote book reading culture, it could do miracles.
He told the audience that three book fairs had already been held in Islamabad besides more such events held in Karachi and Lahore.
He viewed that the negative trends of intolerance, hatred and extremism could be tackled through promoting book culture.
National Book Foundation MD Inamul Haq apprised the audience about foundation’s efforts for creating awareness and development of reading habits. He also lauded the announcement of an endowment fund by the prime minister for encouragement and swift execution of literary projects.
Division Secretary Amir Hassan also addressed the gathering. Adviser Irfan Siddiqui also presented two copies of the Holy Quran to the president.
