Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui formally inaugurated the National Book Museum at the National Book Foundation, joined by Member of the National Assembly Raja Qamar-ul-Islam and senior NBF officials including Managing Director Dr Kamran Jahangir, Secretary Khan Farhan Rifat and Director HOR Murad Ali Mohmand.
The minister said the National Book Museum revival will play a vital role in promoting book culture by tracing the evolution of books from their origins to the modern era. He emphasised that the rare and valuable artifacts on display are not only an asset of the National Book Foundation but part of Pakistan’s cultural heritage that will guide future generations.
Visitors will encounter a dedicated Holy Qur’an Corner and a Sufis’ Corner, statues of renowned poets and writers, and distinctive wooden and stone book artworks designed to foster awareness among younger audiences. Member Qamar-ul-Islam praised the recent additions, noting that they make the museum more engaging for literature enthusiasts and readers.
Managing Director Dr Kamran Jahangir described the National Book Museum as a fascinating representation of knowledge and wonder, featuring rare and ancient Qur’anic manuscripts, exceptional calligraphy, dedicated corners for literary figures, detailed book models, a special section 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.
Creative installations including book-laden miniature trucks and trains, framed sacred Qur’anic pages, the Pillar of Autographs and book-themed office tables reflect a deliberate effort to spark intellectual curiosity. These artistic works were completed by Pakistani artist Azim Iqbal in a short time and mirror the National Book Foundation’s vision to make the museum a living centre for learning and cultural appreciation across Pakistan.
