Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad on Monday expressed serious concern over the weakening habit of reading among the younger generation, identifying the prevalence of social media and digital distractions as a primary cause and calling for a collective effort from parents and institutions to revive the practice.
Speaking during a visit to the Karachi World Book Fair at the Expo Centre, Murad emphasized that a commitment to knowledge and a love for books are the fundamental hallmarks of any progressive nation.
The deputy mayor’s visit coincided with his attendance as the chief guest at the launch ceremony for ‘Aik Kahawat Aik Kahani’ (Volume IV), a new publication by author Athar Iqbal. During the event, Iqbal formally unveiled the work and presented a copy to Murad.
Murad asserted that books are essential for the intellectual development of societies, teaching individuals to think critically, understand complex issues, and distinguish between right and wrong. He noted that literature is not merely a source of information but also nurtures morals, tolerance, and cultural awareness.
The book launch ceremony was presided over by Dr. Tauseef Ahmed Khan, a renowned researcher, author, and former Chairman of the Department of Journalism at the University of Karachi. The gathering, which included personalities from various walks of life, highly appreciated Athar Iqbal”s new work.
Other notable speakers who addressed the attendees included Member of the National Assembly Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui, Dr. Aqeel Abbas Jafri, Younus Hamdam, Hanif Sahar, Sohail Abidi, Kawish Siddiqui, Mehboob Ilahi Mahmood, Rizwan Zaidi, Syed Munim Hussain, and the author himself.
The deputy mayor commended the organization of academic events like the book fair, stating that such scholarly gatherings promote knowledge-sharing, dialogue, and intellectual harmony. He added that connecting youth with books fosters positive thinking and a constructive attitude.
He highlighted that Karachi has historically served as a prominent center for knowledge, literature, and creativity, an identity the city maintains through its vibrant literary activities. A book-oriented society, he remarked, is the true guarantee of peace, progress, and intellectual growth.
In his concluding remarks, Murad praised the literary contributions of Athar Iqbal and assured that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation will continue to encourage all positive activities aimed at promoting knowledge and reading habits, with the goal of developing Karachi into an educated and enlightened city.