By Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Director General Libraries Punjab Kashif Manzoor has said that the National Book Movement marks the beginning of a new phase of intellectual awakening and aims to revive the culture of book reading across the country.

He made these remarks during a meeting with PTV correspondent Warda Saleem at the Quaid-e-Azam Library, Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lahore, where they discussed measures to promote reading habits and revive the culture of study.

Responding to a question about his initiative, Kashif Manzoor said the Punjab Libraries Department had launched a nationwide campaign titled “National Book Movement / National Book Reading Moment.” The central slogan of the initiative is “One Year, One Book,” encouraging every Pakistani to read at least one book every year.

He said that in the era of mobile phones and social media, information was readily available, but the habit of deep and focused reading was gradually declining.

“Books remain among the best companions of human beings and an effective source of intellectual transformation,” he said, adding that reading not only increases knowledge but also develops critical thinking, character and resilience.

Kashif Manzoor emphasized the importance of connecting the younger generation with literature in regional languages, including Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi and Seraiki, alongside Urdu.

He said modern technology was also being utilized to promote reading through book clubs, author interactions, book introductions and various online activities.

The initiative, he added, seeks to encourage a sustainable reading culture and bring books closer to young people through both traditional and digital platforms.