**National Book Foundation Hosts Literary Gathering in Karachi to Promote Book Culture**
The National Book Foundation (NBF) organized a well-attended poetry session at its Karachi Regional Office auditorium, aiming to revitalize book culture and literary engagement in the city. The event drew prominent literary, social, and political figures, as well as individuals from diverse walks of life, underscoring the Foundation’s role as a key national institution in fostering intellectual growth.
The session was presided over by Professor Dr. Khurshid Hashmi, with renowned poet Hamid Ali Syed serving as the master of ceremonies. Distinguished poets including Aftab Alam Qureshi, Taj Ali Rana, Rehman Nishat, Syed Saleemuddin, Saaduddin Saad, and Farooq Arshi presented their work, captivating the audience with their poetry. Esteemed poets Dr. Salman Siddiqui and Dr. Iqbal Peerzada were honored as special guests for the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Member of the National Assembly Ahmed Salim Siddiqui emphasized the importance of the National Book Foundation as a public institution, urging collective responsibility for its progress. He expressed concern over the growing detachment from books, attributing it in part to the modern tendency of gifting mobile phones instead of books to children upon achievement. Siddiqui suggested that continued literary events at the NBF Karachi could play a key role in reintroducing and popularizing the culture of reading among the public.
He further noted that technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence, are rapidly transforming the world, potentially rendering many current practices obsolete. However, Siddiqui asserted that poets, writers, and intellectuals hold a unique and enduring place that cannot be replaced by technology. He praised the dedication and hard work of Dr. Kamran Jahangir, head of the National Book Foundation, and lauded the efforts of the local NBF team—Mohsin Narejo and Ramsha Anjum—for their role in organizing the successful event.
In conclusion, NBF Karachi Regional Office Manager Mohsin Narejo and Program Coordinator Ramsha Anjum thanked all the guests, expressing optimism that such literary events signal the potential revival of Karachi’s rich literary environment in the near future.
