The ‘Balochistan Kitaab Karwaan,’ an initiative by the Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC), faced administrative challenges during its recent book fair at Ghazi University in Dera Ghazi Khan. This campaign is part of a broader series aimed at promoting reading and educational activities across various institutions in Balochistan.
According to a press release from the BSAC, the university administration did not grant permission for the first day of the book fair, despite prior agreements and arrangements. The Committee expressed disappointment over this decision, stating it hindered their efforts to foster a literary environment.
The BSAC claims that despite discussions with university authorities, including department heads and deans, a satisfactory resolution was not reached. Consequently, they were compelled to display their materials, including books, outside the university gate, an action they say led to disruption and frustration among students.
On the following day, the organizers set up the book stall on a university footpath as a form of protest against the administration’s decision. The BSAC alleges that the university responded by limiting student access to the stall and deploying security personnel around the area.
Despite these reported challenges, the book fair continued until its scheduled conclusion at 3 pm, with participation from university students, teachers, librarians, and book enthusiasts.
Additionally, the BSAC organized another phase of the book fair in Model Town, DG Khan city, which successfully garnered attention from the general public and students from different institutions.
The ‘Balochistan Kitaab Karwaan’ is an ongoing campaign by the BSAC, aimed at nurturing a culture of book reading in Balochistan. The student organization has been actively organizing these book fairs in various educational institutions across the region, seeking to inspire a love for books and knowledge among students.