The 96th Pakistan Learning and Reading Festival concluded on Thursday at Lok Virsa , marking the end of a dynamic three-day celebration of learning, creativity, and cultural exchange.
Organized by Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) in collaboration with the National Book Foundation and the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, the festival ran from 25th to 27th November and attracted students, educators, writers, illustrators, publishers, and families from across Pakistan.
This year’s festival offered more than thirty sessions focused on learning, theatre, literature, heritage, STEAM education, and climate change, establishing a vibrant environment of exploration and dialogue. Publishers from across the country participated with an extensive range of books, all available at a fifty percent discount, encouraging greater access to reading material and supporting a culture of literacy.
A significant highlight of the festival was the launch of ITA’s newest collection of eleven storybooks, developed in partnership with the National Book Foundation and Room to Read. These books address timely and sensitive themes such as climate change, child safeguarding, and mental health, and showcase the work of emerging Pakistani writers and illustrators. Their introduction reflects ITA’s continued commitment to cultivating meaningful and relevant literature for young readers.
The festival also marked the beginning of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with the launch of a major campaign on digital abuse and harassment, developed in collaboration with UNESCO Pakistan. The session emphasized that digital rights are fundamental rights, and highlighted the urgent need to ensure safe online spaces, particularly for women and girls. Participants included Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training; Abia Akram; Nayyab Ali; Tehmina Sayeed; and Samar Minullah, alongside Mr. Fuad Pashayev, UNESCO Representative in Pakistan.
