Book reading culture slumps in Takhar

TALOQAN (Pajhwok): Some cultural activists in northern Takhar province have linked the lack of youth interest in book study with the closure of girls’ schools and universities but officials said that youth were more busy in the social media.

These cultural activists and book stores owners have expressed their concerns in this regard and asked the government to pay special attention to address this issue.

Shuja Farhang, one of the cultural activists in Takhar province, said: “The closure of universities and schools on girls was one of the reason that youth stopped reading books these days. He until universities remained closed the culture of book reading would be on decline and youth would have no interest in books reading.”

Abdul Samai Khawari, another cultural activist, said the culture of book reading witnessed a decline by the time schools and universities were closed on women and girls in the country and people had lost interest in book reading.

He said that cultural activist were waiting for the reopening of schools and universities so that people specially youth again start reading books and this culture grow and strengthen.

Some books sellers have also expressed concern regarding their dwindling business and said they were unable to pay their shop rent even.

Jamaludin, one of the book store owner, said that recently the book selling business had declined adding that fewer books were sold in the entire day and they could not earn the money to pay their monthly shop rent.

Information Department Director Nooruddin Qlech Baig, said most youth were engaged in the social media platform and it was the main reason behind the decline of book reading among youth.

He said book reading festivals had been arranged to promote reading culture and assure that similar steps would be taken in the future as well.

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