Senator Sarmad Ali, Chairman of the Senate Library Committee and President of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), on Monday inaugurated the second edition of the Karachi Festival of Books and Libraries (KFBL) at Habitt City in a graceful ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Sarmad Ali emphasized the enduring importance of book reading and urged people not to abandon the habit despite the growing influence of digital gadgets. It is universally accepted that books change our lives and enhance our wisdom and vision. We must continue reading books to keep progressing in life and achieving our goals, he said.
Highlighting his commitment to the promotion of reading culture, Senator Sarmad remarked that encouraging book reading was his mission at the national level. He also proposed the designation and annual celebration of a National Library Day and a National Book Reading Day to further strengthen this culture across the country.
The senator supported the idea of organizing similar Festivals of Books and Libraries in Lahore, Islamabad and other cities, in addition to Karachi, and assured his full cooperation for such initiatives. He expressed optimism about the revival of reading habits, citing the success of the Karachi International Book Fair, which attracted nearly 500,000 visitors.
Upon his arrival, Senator Sarmad was warmly welcomed by KFBL Co-founders Aziz Memon and Syed Khalid Mahmood. The opening session was attended by Murad Ali Mohmand, Secretary of the National Book Foundation (NBF), Hasnain Shah, Assistant Director at the National Library of Pakistan (NLP), former cricket umpire Mahboob Shah, and renowned hotelier Azeem Qureshi, among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Aziz Memon, International President of the English-Speaking Union (ESU), announced that the KFBL, launched in 2024, would be expanded to Lahore and Islamabad next year in collaboration with various stakeholders. He said such events were vital for intellectual growth and for improving the mental health of the nation.
Conducting the proceedings, Syed Khalid Mahmood briefed the audience on the salient features of the second KFBL 2025, which will continue until Tuesday. He informed that more than a dozen sessions, featuring leading personalities as speakers and moderators, have been planned during the two-day festival.
All speakers appreciated the KFBL co-founders for organizing a major literary event at a prominent venue. Dr Beenish Khalid was also recognized for her significant contribution to promoting the festival. A large number of intellectuals and high achievers from various fields attended the opening ceremony.
