On World Book Day, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif issued a compelling call for a concerted national effort to foster a robust reading culture, particularly among the youth, deeming it crucial for Pakistan’s intellectual growth and the development of an enlightened, progressive society.
He extended felicitations to readers, writers, authors, publishers, teachers, and students across the globe for their profound affection for books and commitment to literary engagement, according to an official information today.
The Prime Minister specifically lauded the significant contributions of national wordsmiths and academicians, acknowledging their invaluable role in shaping the intellectual landscape of the country. He underscored that books have historically served as a perennial fount of erudition, sagacity, and direction, emphasising that recognising their enduring importance and the transformative power of reading signifies a cultivated intellect.
Books, he noted, are instrumental in introducing new concepts, diverse viewpoints, and varied customs, thereby expanding cognitive vistas and enriching global comprehension. They are vital for cultivating discerning intellects, encouraging analytical thought, and embedding virtues such as compassion, amity, and forbearance, which are essential for constructing a harmonious and forward-moving society.
In the contemporary era of technological and digital evolution, where information is readily accessible, the significance of literature and the practice of reading has become even more pronounced. Developing a reading habit is pivotal for cognitive enhancement, imaginative expression, and the cultivation of a knowledgeable populace.
Prime Minister Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s profound literary legacy, scholarly patrimony, and intellectual ethos as foundational pillars for national advancement. He praised the distinguished contributions of Pakistani writers and thinkers, affirming that their work perpetually illuminates and motivates successive generations.
It is imperative, he stated, to encourage a pervasive reading habit among young people and guarantee access to high-calibre literary works, enabling them to mature into informed and responsible citizens. The Federal Ministry of Education and the National Book Foundation are diligently involved in championing literary pursuits, backing creative talents and publishing houses, and securing the provision of superior texts at reasonable costs.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister exhorted the youth, educators, guardians, and scholastic establishments to collectively contribute to nurturing a societal passion for reading. He urged a reaffirmation of dedication to advancing literacy, enhancing access to information, and underscoring the intrinsic worth of literature and textual creation, all with the objective of forging a sagacious, erudite, and forward-thinking Pakistan.