Introduction to the National Book Foundation (NBF)

Establishment and Mandate

The National Book Foundation (NBF) was established in 1972 through an Act of the Parliament of Pakistan as a non-profit educational and service-oriented organization. It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT), Government of Pakistan. In the year 2010, the Government declared the NBF as the Text Book Board for the Federal territory and Gilgit Baltistan. It also publishes text books for KPK and AJK
NBF is committed to promoting a culture of reading, encouraging literary expression, and making quality books accessible and affordable across Pakistan. Its mission is to foster knowledge-based society by facilitating book development, publication, distribution, and reading activities at national and grassroots levels.

Governance and Organizational Structure

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Governors, chaired by the Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training. The Managing Director, appointed by the Government, oversees the operational and strategic execution of the Foundation's programs NBF operates through its Head Office in Islamabad and a network of Regional and Branch Offices across major cities.

Core Functions and Services

NBF's key functions include:
• Publishing and distribution of educational, literary, and reference books in various languages.
• Organizing book fairs, literary events, and reading campaigns.
• Providing books at subsidized rates.
• Supporting authors, researchers, and publishers through incentives, awards, and copyright initiatives.
• Facilitating public-private partnerships to promote book-related activities.

Public Engagement and Outreach

Through its initiatives like Literary Connections, Dialogue, Writing Competitions, Story Telling, Book Launching, Workshops for writers & Illustrators, Author Awards, Book Fairs and Conferences, NBF connects with readers of all ages, particularly students, educators, and aspiring writers.

Conclusion

As a leading publishing institution in Pakistan, the National Book Foundation continues to play vital role in intellectual development, literacy enhancement, and the cultural enhancement, and the cultural enrichment of the nation through its unwavering dedication to books and reading.