International Literacy Day was observed on Thursday highlighting the theme 'literacy and peace' that focuses on world-wide literacy needs. School, colleges, universities, educational departments and organisations in Multan arranged different activities highlighting the importance of a literate nation. A number of NGOs organised a walk for the awareness of the masses in collaboration with Unesco to celebrate International Literacy Day.
A seminar followed by an exhibition of literacy material was arranged where Senator Malik Salahuddin Dogar, Malik Ahmed Hussain Dehar MPA, Dr Javed Siddiqui ex-MPA threw light on the importance of literacy and they stressed the need for increasing the literacy rate in the country.
They said that September 8 was proclaimed International Literacy Day by Unesco on November 17, 1965. It was first celebrated in 1966. They said, "The day provides us an opportunity to review our efforts to eradicate illiteracy and reaffirm our commitment for a creation of literate and peaceful environment around us".
It added that the Provincial Action Plan 2010-2015, envisages achievement of 86 percent literacy by the year 2015 and the Prime Minister of Pakistan has pledged to achieve 100 percent literacy by the year 2015 and also announced to observe 2011 as Year of Education.