By Maria Hameed
In Pakistan, a country rich in cultural heritage and literary traditions, the steady decline in book reading is a growing concern. Reading, once considered a revered activity for intellectual and personal growth, now faces stiff competition from a rapidly changing digital landscape, altering lifestyles, and economic challenges.
One of the most significant factors contributing to the decline of reading habits in Pakistan is the rise of digital media. With smartphones, tablets, and social media platforms becoming more accessible, reading books has taken a backseat. People, especially the younger generation, prefer quick bites of information—scrolling through Instagram or Twitter feeds, watching short-form videos, and consuming content in a matter of seconds rather than investing hours into reading books.
E-books and audiobooks, which once promised to reignite the flame of reading, have also not been widely embraced in Pakistan. The shift towards visual and auditory content—primarily through YouTube, Netflix, and TikTok—has further eroded the culture of reading for leisure Pakistan’s educational system also plays a role in the waning interest in books.
The rote-learning approach, where students focus on memorizing textbooks for exams, discourages critical thinking and intellectual curiosity. In many cases, students only engage with books that are part of their syllabus, making reading a chore rather than a pleasure.
This experience creates a long-lasting aversion to books as students associate them with pressure and stress rather than enjoyment.
The limited availability of updated and diverse reading material in school and college libraries is another factor that curtails students’ exposure to books outside their academic curriculum. This deprivation results in an unbalanced approach to reading, where students seldom develop a love for literature, history, philosophy, or fiction.
Books in Pakistan, particularly those that are not part of mainstream curriculum, are often perceived as a luxury. The rising costs of living, inflation, and economic instability have forced many families to prioritize essential needs over purchasing books. Additionally, book prices have significantly increased in recent years, making it difficult for the middle and lower-middle classes to afford them.
Public libraries, which could provide access to books for people from different economic backgrounds, are also few and far between. The libraries that do exist often lack funding, resources, and a comfortable environment, which further discourages people from utilizing them.
Another contributing factor is the growing influence of pop culture and entertainment industries.
The allure of music, movies, and television series has largely overshadowed the once prevalent reading culture. For many young people in Pakistan, free time is increasingly spent binge-watching shows or gaming rather than reading novels or non-fiction. This transformation in recreational preferences is reflective of broader global trends, but it has distinct cultural implications in Pakistan, where storytelling and poetry were once integral to society.
In Pakistani society, reading as a hobby is rarely promoted. Parents, educators, and public figures, who could serve as role models for fostering reading habits, often neglect to do so. Without visible champions of literature and reading in everyday life, the younger generation lacks inspiration to turn towards books. This issue is particularly noticeable in homes where television or smartphone usage is constant, and reading is viewed as an outdated pastime.
Reviving the love for reading in Pakistan requires a multifaceted approach. Here are a few potential solutions:
- Integrating Books into the Digital Space: Given the popularity of digital platforms, initiatives to promote books online, such as digital book clubs, interactive e-books, and discussions on platforms like YouTube or podcasts, could help attract young readers.
- Revamping the Educational System: Reforming the curriculum to encourage critical thinking, discussions, and book-based projects rather than rote learning can foster an intellectual culture. Schools and universities should also encourage extracurricular reading by providing updated libraries with a wide range of books.
- Affordable Access to Books: Efforts should be made to reduce the costs of books, either through government subsidies or by promoting public libraries with a modern collection of books. Initiatives such as book fairs, book-sharing programs, and partnerships with publishing houses could also help make reading materials more accessible.
- Promoting Local Writers: Supporting local authors and storytellers can ignite national pride in reading. Programs that highlight Urdu and regional literature can bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, making reading relevant to younger audiences.
- Parental Involvement: Parents should model reading as an enjoyable and valuable activity at home. Encouraging children to read from a young age and limiting screen time can help establish reading as a lifelong habit.
The decline in book reading in Pakistan reflects broader global shifts, but it also speaks to the unique cultural, economic, and educational challenges the country faces. However, the loss of reading culture is not irreversible. With a collective effort from educational institutions, families, public figures, and the media, Pakistan can rediscover its literary roots and foster a new generation of avid readers. After all, books hold the potential to expand minds, promote empathy, and equip individuals with the tools to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Maria Hameed is an MPhil Mass Communication student with a robust background in communication studies, research methods, and social issues. She offers expert analysis and insightful commentary on contemporary media trends and challenges facing today’s youth.
Maria brings a unique cultural perspective to her work, enriching her contributions with a blend of academic rigor and cultural insight.
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