NBF Events

National Library Association Delegation Visits National Book Foundation: Emphasizing the Importance of Books and Future Collaborative Plans:

Islamabad (Special Correspondent) – A delegation from the Sindh Karachi chapter of the National Library Association recently visited the Head Office of the National Book Foundation (NBF). During the visit, the Secretary of NBF provided the delegation with a detailed briefing on the foundation’s role, objectives, and functions. The delegation also toured the Book Museum, Wall of Honour, Indonesian Corner, and the Bookshop.

The Secretary of NBF highlighted the significance of books and their promotion during the visit. A question-and-answer session was held in the Committee Room, where the Secretary emphasized the need for increased collaboration between the National Library Association and NBF Karachi. This collaboration aims to promote books through book fairs and various events in Karachi’s educational institutions.

Mr. Munawar, the Regional Incharge of NBF Karachi, has been instructed to maintain contact with the delegation members and plan future book fairs and activities. It is crucial that the Head Office remains informed of all developments and communications.

The Secretary of NBF noted that book fairs and educational events are essential to fostering a reading culture among students and the general public. He stated that NBF’s mission is to highlight the importance of books and encourage the habit of reading.

The delegation praised NBF’s efforts and assured continued collaboration in the future. Delegation members expressed that promoting books is vital for societal development and enhancing intellectual awareness.

NBF’s initiative has been well-received by the public, and it is anticipated that large-scale book fairs will soon be organized in Karachi’s educational institutions.

Honourable Federal Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui sahib visited karachi office and detailed presentation was given by MD/NBF pertaining to Textbooks development and publishing, General Books development and publishing, Braille Textbooks development and publishing, and Dyslexia textbooks development and its publishing. Honourable Federal Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui sahib appreciated the efforts of NBF for serving the communities by offering quality enriched content textbooks and general books at very nominal rates and In particular praised the good financial health of NBF.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed on 29th February, 2024 between National Book Foundation (NBF) and Pakistan Academy of Letter (PAL). Managing Director NBF Dr. Raja Mazhar Hameed, Chairman PAL Dr. Najeeba Arif, Director General PAL Sultan Muhammad Nawaz Nasir and Secretary NBF Mr. Murad Ali Mohmand were present on the occasion.

President Dr. Arif Alvi showcased a strong commitment to inclusivity on Wednesday, championing increased access to books and knowledge for the visually impaired in Pakistan.
During a meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr to evaluate the National Book Foundation’s performance, the president emphasized the crucial role of reading in individual and societal development. He specifically praised the Foundation’s commendable initiative to provide books and knowledge in braille for the visually impaired, viewing it as a significant step towards narrowing the access gap.
Dr. Raja Mazhar Hameed, the Managing Director, delivered a comprehensive report on the Foundation’s ongoing efforts, including a program tailored for individuals with dyslexia. Hameed briefed the president on plans to develop dedicated books for dyslexic children from kindergarten to Grade 8, ensuring these resources are readily available for the upcoming academic year (2024-25).
The meeting highlighted the Foundation’s Braille Press in Karachi, offering books to the visually impaired at a highly subsidized rate of just Rs. 10 per book. This affordable access is poised to substantially enhance educational opportunities for visually impaired children.
President Alvi welcomed the news that the Foundation would distribute these braille books to visually impaired students enrolled in grades Prep to 8 across 431 schools in Islamabad. He commended the Foundation’s broader efforts to publish a diverse range of braille books, ensuring their availability not only within Pakistan but also internationally.
The president’s visit and directive signify a significant commitment to nurturing a more inclusive and literate Pakistan, where knowledge and resources are readily accessible to all, regardless of disability.

Around 26 Young Writers hailing from all over the country under the Young Writers Training Program (for Female Writers) by Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD) of the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) has visited National Book Foundation Head Office Islamabad. Secretary Mr. Murad Ali Mohmand gave detailed briefing about NBF’s function and its ongoing projects they also visit NBF’s Book Museum, Bookshop, Wall of Honour, Indonesian Corner and Textbooks development section.

Continuing our legacy at NBF pertaining to "Foundational Learning" leading to "READING HABIT CULTURE" among young Children's. Under the patronage of worthy Federal Secretary Mr. Waseem Ajmal Ch sahib. Children story series (10 story books, Rania's World/ Green Promise- Caring heart- Green Journey- Cat Rescue- Brave Rescue- Keeping Amanah- Growing Trees- Summer Kindness- Happy Wings- Water Wisdom) captioned "RANIA'S WORLD" have been developed and published and simultaneously launched at National Arts Council. Hounourable Federal Minister for Heritage and Culture Mr. Jamal Shah sahib was the Chief Guest and applauded the work of NBF and appreciated that by investing in children's book development and publishing will fetch greater results pertaining to intellectual capacity building of children's at tender age. Mashallah, another feather in the cap of Ministry of federal education and Professional Training and NBF.

Now National Book Foundation is Officially ISO 9001: 2015 Certified Organization.

Honourable Federal Secretary Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training Mr. Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry visited National Book Foundation Head Office Islamabad.