In a rapidly advancing world dominated by the digital age, Pakistan faces a critical intellectual dilemma: the steady decline of reading. The stark reality is that the average Pakistani spends little time on books, underscoring the shrinking culture of reading and its severe consequences on societal progress. Reading has always been the foundation of intellectual growth. Nations that prioritise literacy, like Finland and Japan, thrive on this intellectual tradition. Unfortunately, Pakistan is lagging, with books seen as a luxury rather than an essential tool for fostering creativity and critical thought.
This decline in reading is rooted in both cultural and educational challenges. Pakistan’s education system is heavily reliant on rote memorisation, leaving little room for critical thinking or deep engagement with knowledge. In the age of social media and instant entertainment, the deeper intellectual and spiritual nourishment provided by books is replaced by the superficiality of digital content. It is high time we acknowledge the role of books in shaping our future. Countries that view books as cultural cornerstones continue to flourish, while Pakistan risks losing its intellectual vitality.
Majid Burfat
Karachi
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