On May 18, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, inaugurated the National Book Museum in Islamabad, established by the National Book Foundation. The event underscored the museum’s role in promoting book culture and enhancing literary awareness among the younger generation.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Member of the National Assembly, Raja Qamar-ul-Islam, Managing Director of the National Book Foundation, Dr Kamran Jahangir, NBF Secretary Khan Farhan Rifat, Director Headquarters Murad Ali Mohmand, and other officials from the foundation.
Dr Siddiqui praised the National Book Foundation for setting up the museum to a high standard and emphasised its significance in illustrating the relevance of books from their historical origins to the modern era.
Dr Siddiqui highlighted that the museum’s rare and valuable book-related exhibits are an asset for the National Book Foundation and a national treasure for Pakistan. He noted that these exhibits would serve as a guide for future generations. The minister also commended the museum’s various sections, including the Holy Qur’an Corner, Sufi Corner, and statues of renowned poets and writers, which aim to create intellectual awareness among youth and provide learning opportunities for visitors.
Member of the National Assembly Qamar-ul-Islam also expressed his admiration for the museum, noting that recent additions have made it more engaging for literature enthusiasts and readers. During a briefing, Dr Kamran Jahangir described the museum as a symbol of wisdom, featuring rare Qur’anic manuscripts, remarkable calligraphy, and dedicated corners for prominent personalities.
The museum showcases book displays, sections on Pakistani languages, and golden statues of literary icons such as Allama Iqbal, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Hafeez Jalandhari, Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, and Saadat Hasan Manto. Creative installations like book-laden miniature trucks and trains, framed Qur’anic pages, and the “Pillar of Autographs” were designed to enrich the visitor experience, promoting learning and intellectual curiosity.
