The prize distribution ceremony of the book competition organized under the title “Book of the Year” was held at Iran Culture Center Karachi. A number of teachers of religious schools, and professors of universities including well-known media representatives, along with authors, translators, and publishers participated in this event.
Dr. Saeed Talebinia, director of Khana e Farhang Iran-Karachi, in his speech, thanked the writers and publishers for participating in the book competition and said: In this competition, we received 65 titles of books in Urdu, Sindhi, and Pashto languages regarding Islamic education and Iranian studies; out of which ten people from authors, translators and publishers were selected as the best competitors. Talebinia, in his speech, with reference to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khamenei, said: The Leader of the Revolution is one of the best book-readers who love books a lot. He added; Imam Khamenei has played an important role in promoting the study of books in Iran.
Aziz Khalid, Chairman of the Pakistan Publishers and Booksellers Association, congratulated Dr. Talebinia, head of Khana e Farhang Iran Karachi, for organizing this event. He said: authors, translators, and publishers are like members of the same family related to each other. He called the book competition titled “Book of the Year” as a valuable achievement to encourage writers and publishers. He added: every year we organize the biggest international book fair in Pakistan at Expo Center Karachi and more than four hundred thousand people come to visit the fair and buy books. He further said; we have decided to expand this exhibition in the future with the participation of Iranian publishers through the cooperation of the Iranian government.
Dean Faculty of Islamic Studies, University of Karachi, Prof. Dr. Zahid Ali Zahidi in his speech appreciated the services of Khana e Farhang for organizing this event and said that writing and publishing books is one of the most difficult tasks. Especially in Pakistani society, the number of writers and publishers as well as readers is unfortunately very less. Due to the lack of publication of books, excessive use of social media, and lack of attention of parents to this issue, the new generation is far away from books. He added: we are very happy that this event has been organized to recognize the services of authors, translators, and publishers and it is undoubtedly a big step to encourage them. I hope that such initiatives to promote books will continue in the future.
