By Amjad Yousaf Zai
HASSAN ABDAL: Poets, writers, intellectuals and storytellers assembled at the main campus of Sir Syed Educational Foundation Pakistan (SSEFP) in Hassanabdal to participate in second annual book fair in collaboration with publishers. A wide range of books and education-related accessories were made available at the fair at discounted rates. Books of almost every kind and on every subject were displayed at the main Hall. The book fair has more than 50 stalls with around 0.1 million books on various subjects of Science, fiction, Islamic Literature, Medicine, Engineering and Technology. Almost 40 percent to 60 percent discount was offered on the books make it affordable for students. Muskan Butt- a second year student of local girls college and Ansa- poetess from Pindigheb town also performed book launching ceremony at the event.
Students visiting the fair have lauded the effort of SSEFP and said books are a great source of inner enlightenment.
While addressing as chief guest in the closing ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Attock Rao Atif Raza has said that the love for books is a common trait among successful people worldwide, no matter the advancements in technology, the significance of a traditional paper-bound book cannot be undermined. He also emphasized the pivotal role of reading in human development. He was of the view that involvement of youth in extra academic activities would definitely help the government in its endeavor of uprooting violence from the society. “Students need to improve their book reading habit and should make it a part of their life,” he advised. He said books open new doors of success for its readers allowing them to explore new ideas. Mr Raza said there was a dire need to inculcate the book reading habit among the youth so that they could learn about the glorious past. He encouraged both parents and teachers to cultivate a love for reading in children, to create enthusiastic readers. He expressed that books are valuable companions that foster empathy, ingenuity, and education in those who read them.
While lauding the role of Sir Syed education foundation in promotion of education and healthy activities in the district, he said that the foundation takes lead in organizing extra-curricular activities.
Director General Rahmatul Alameen Authority Zafar Mahmood Malik, Managing director National Book Foundation Dr Mazhar Hameed, Sohail bin Aziz Director Rahmatul Alameen Authority, member Punjab assembly Sardar Muhammad Ali, District President PPP Attock Ashar Hayat, PPP Hassanabdal chapter President Sardar Zulfiqar Hayat Khan, Former Punjab Minister for culture Taimur Masood Malik, member KP assembly Shazia Jadoon, assistant commissioner Hassanabdal Dr Sana Ramchand, former tehsil Nazim Khanpur Raja Haroon Sikandar, distinguished researcher and traveler Muhammad Tawfiq, eminent educationist Attaur Rahman Chaudhry, Professor Tahir Durrani, President, Sir Syed Education Foundation, Deputy Director Public Relations Attock Shahzad Khokhar, Director Sir Syed Education Foundation Qazi Zahoorul Haq and President PPP Women Wing Attock Ms Eman also spoke on this occasion.
