Islamabad
Advisor to the Prime Minister on National History & Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui inaugurated ‘Shehr-e-Kitab’ here on Sunday.
A number of poets, writers and intellectuals including Dr. Jamal Nasir, ex-secretary for Foreign Affairs Akram Zaki, PAL Chairman Dr. Qasim Boghio, Dr. Ayub Sabir, Prof. Jamil Yousaf, Dr. Riaz Ahmad Riaz, Dr. Anwar Naseem, Jabbar Mirza, Haleem Qureshi and Muhammad Aslam Rao were also present on this occasion.
The book city has been established in Markaz F-7 of Islamabad. About 28 stalls have been set up by eminent publishers of Pakistan. The Publications of National Book Foundation would be available at a discounted price ranging from 33% to 55%.
Irfan Siddiqui said after successful inauguration of book city in Islamabad, another ‘book city’ on similar lines is going to be set up in Karachi. The land for this purpose has already been acquired. He said that the book city in Karachi would also include a book café, book park and a comfortable rest-house for writers, poets and the literary figures.
He said that the implementation of Urdu language in true letter and spirit in Pakistan is the main solution of our major problems. He hoped that these issues will be resolved within shortest span of time with the help of people and coordination of the government functionaries.
Secretary National History & Literary Heritage Division Mohsin S. Haqqani highlighted the importance of book reading.
NBF Managing Director Dr. Inam ul Haq Javeid, briefed the participants about achievements, goals and aims of the National Book Foundation in his welcome address.
