The Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, formally inaugurated the National Book Museum. Member of the National Assembly Raja Qamar-ul-Islam was also present on the occasion. Managing Director of the National Book Foundation, Dr. Kamran Jahangir, Secretary NBF Khan Farhan Rifat, Director HOR Murad Ali Mohmand, and other officials of NBF attended the ceremony.
While inaugurating the National Book Museum, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui stated that the National Book Foundation has revived and highlighted the National Book Museum at a high level. He said that the museum will play an important role in promoting book culture by showcasing the evolution of books from their origin to the modern era, highlighting their importance and relevance in the contemporary context.
He further added that the rare and valuable book-related artifacts displayed in the museum are not only an asset of the National Book Foundation but also of Pakistan, and they will continue to guide future generations. The Minister appreciated the Holy Qur’an Corner, Sufis’ Corner, statues of renowned poets and writers, as well as wooden and stone book-related artworks, stating that they will play a key role in developing awareness among the younger generation. He remarked that every visitor to the museum will learn something meaningful.
Member of the National Assembly Qamar-ul-Islam also praised the National Book Foundation’s Book Museum, saying that new additions have made the museum more attractive and engaging, enabling literature enthusiasts and readers to benefit from it.
Managing Director NBF, Dr. Kamran Jahangir, briefed the participants and described the National Book Museum as a fascinating representation of knowledge and wonder. He said the museum features rare and ancient Qur’anic manuscripts, remarkable calligraphy, dedicated corners for great personalities, book models, special sections for Pakistani languages, and golden statues of Allama Iqbal, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Hafeez Jalandhari, Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, and Saadat Hasan Manto.
He further highlighted creative installations such as book-laden small trucks and trains, framed sacred Qur’anic pages, the “Pillar of Autographs,” and book-themed office tables decorated with various items and knowledge-based references from around the world, all designed to enrich the experience of visitors and promote learning and intellectual curiosity.
These artistic and creative works were completed by renowned Pakistani artist Azim Iqbal, whose efforts, completed in a short time as per requirement, significantly reflect the vision of the National Book Foundation.
