**National Book Foundation Honors Authors with Awards Ceremony in Islamabad**
The National Book Foundation (NBF), operating under the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training, hosted a distinguished awards ceremony in Islamabad to recognize writers and authors for their significant contributions to literature. The event celebrated the efforts of those who have authored books for the NBF, aiming to inspire a culture of reading in Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, served as the chief guest at the ceremony held at Islamabad Club. Other notable attendees included Minister of State Wajiha Qamar, Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar, and Additional Federal Secretary for Education Hassan Saqlain.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui highlighted the importance and challenges of promoting a ‘book culture’ in an age dominated by electronic media. He emphasized the vital role of the NBF in connecting people with books and stressed the need to draw the younger generation towards literature through innovative ideas and intellectual initiatives. Dr. Siddiqui pointed out that rapid global advancements demand a significant acceleration in Pakistan’s educational and literary efforts to keep pace with international developments.
He further stated that meeting future challenges would require the collective expertise of writers, poets, researchers, and scientists, commending the NBF for its continued commitment to fostering intellectual and literary activities. Dr. Siddiqui presented awards to distinguished authors, noting that such recognition helps spark new ideas and innovations, and provides essential encouragement at the national level for both art and artists. He congratulated all award recipients and expressed satisfaction with the NBF’s ongoing initiatives.
Minister of State Wajiha Qamar, Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz, Federal Secretary Nadeem Mehmood, and NBF Managing Director Dr. Kamran Jahangir also distributed awards and honorary certificates to writers. Dr. Kamran Jahangir expressed his gratitude to the chief guest and supporting officials, stating that the Foundation’s activities rely heavily on their cooperation and personal interest.
The event was also attended by former NBF Managing Directors Dr. Inam-ul-Haq Javed and Rao Mohammad Aslam. Among the honored authors and poets were Dr. Maqsood Jafri, Mehboob Zafar, Dr. Nisar Turabi, Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, Abu Ahmad Akif, General Mohammad Tahir, Kokab Khawaja, Naeem Fatima Alvi, Dr. Amjad Bhatti, Abdul Wajid Tabassum, Mohammad Arif, Mohammad Shoaib Khan, Raj Mohammad Afridi, Dr. Saleemullah, Professor Javed Mohsin, and others.
Representatives from the Ministry of Education, including Senior Joint Secretary Syed Junaid Akhlaq, as well as heads of various literary and academic organizations, were present. The proceedings were skillfully conducted by Nazia Rahman, ensuring the event’s smooth flow.
