ISLAMABAD: Advisor to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage (NH&LH), Irfan Siddiqui Friday urged the writers' community to highlight the plight of Kashmiris, their exemplary sacrifices and struggle for independence through the power of their pen.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of four-day Annual National Book Festival being arranged by National Book Foundation (NBF), Irfan Siddiqui said, “International community must fulfil its commitments and Kashmiris be given their due right of self-determination, as per United Nations resolutions”.
Expressing solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiri people, Irfan Siddiqui said, “The people of Kashmir have been rendering great sacrifices for their right of independence. They have strongly resisted against injustice and defeated aggressions with strong determination”.
He said literary persons must bring the exemplary story of Kashmiris' struggle for their rights and sacrifices in front of the world.
Irfan Siddiqui said “it is heartening to see that despite advent of modern technology, people are still having a strong connection with the books. A large number of books are written, published and sold out every year which is a welcoming sign”.
He said last year, over 300,000 book lovers participated in the National Book Fair and books of private publishers worth Rs. 18 million were sold out which reflect peoples' urge and love for books.
Irfan Siddiqui said, NBF is publishing one book daily and providing to the readers on discounted rates.
He said a suggestion is under-consideration to give national award to the publishers who will publish more books annually for their encouragement.
Irfan Siddiqui revealed that the Endowment Fund of Rs. 500 million created by the former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has started generating funds which would be utilized for the welfare of writers' community.
He said the government will publish and promote books of those writers who cannot afford to further promote book culture.
Irfan Siddiqui said, as per suggestion of President Mamnoon Hussain during the previous National Book Fair, Translation Bureau (Dar ul Tarjuma) has been established which has started translation of various books.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Secretary, NH&LH division, Engineer Aamir Hasan and Managing Director, NBF, Dr. Inam ul Haq Javed said NBF book outlets will also be opened in five new cities to provide books on discounted rates.
They informed that NBF is also opening Kitab Ghar at Islamabad and Karachi Airports soon.
This year, 132 book stalls have been established at the National Book Festival and 70 different colourful programmes will be held to entertain the book lovers.
NBF has entered into 46th year of performance and last year sold out books worth Rs.335.4 million which is a landmark achievement, they said.
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