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A public library called ‘Shehr-e-Kitab’ (City of Books) has been opened at Markaz F-7, Jinnah Super Market, Islamabad.
Shehr-e-Kitab was formally inaugurated at a ceremony by Advisor to the Prime Minister on National History & Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui. NBF Managing Director Professor Dr. Inam-ul-Haq Javeid was also present at the occasion.
Speaking at the event, the managing director of the National Book Foundation (NBF), Dr Inamul Haq Javed, said the public library has been finally been inaugurated 24 years after it was first promised.
“After efforts by the then NBF managing director and renowned poet Ahmed Faraz, a plot for the library was set aside in the markaz of sector F-7,” he said. But the land was encroached upon by the Lal Masjid administration before construction work on the library could be started.
He said the library is stocked with books catering to everyone, young and old alike and that books will be sold at prices that are 10 to 55pc below the market rate.
“We are holding our seventh book fair in April at the library as well. The theme for the fair will be ‘Book is life’. I believe books play an important role in the betterment of the society,” he added.
A number of book lovers, poets, writers and intellectuals including Dr. Jamal Nasir, ex-secretary for Foreign Affairs Akram Zaki, PAL Chairman Dr. Qasim Boghio, Dr. Ayub Sabir, Prof. Jamil Yousaf, Dr. Riaz Ahmad Riaz, Dr. Anwar Naseem, Jabbar Mirza, Haleem Qureshi and Muhammad Aslam Rao attended the opening ceremony.
‘Shehr-e-Kitab’ is NBF’s literary and educational hub. It will provide the facility for purchasing all types of books, stationery items and student-friendly environment under one roof
Some 28 book stalls, both private and NBF ones, have been set up here which will remain open from 10am to 10 at night throughout the week. The Publications of National Book Foundation would be available at a discounted price ranging from 33% to 55%.
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