World Book Day is a global celebration of books and reading that is celebrated on April 23rd every year. It’s a day to highlight the importance of books and reading in connecting people across cultures and generations. This glorious day encourages the children to find the pleasure of reading. But what does this mean for us in Pakistan? Let me explain in simple words.

What and Why is World Book Day?

World Book Day started in 1995 when UNESCO decided we needed a special day for books. They chose April 23rd because on this date, famous writers like Shakespeare and Cervantes died.

In some countries like England and Ireland, they celebrate it in the first thursday of March. But most places, including Pakistan, keep it on April 23rd. The main idea is simple: get people reading, especially children.

Why This Day Matters as Pakistanis

Let’s be honest – we’re not a nation of readers. Walk into any home and you’ll probably find more TV remotes than books. But reading changes lives. I’ve seen it myself.

There’s a story of a boy named Ali who changed completely after he got his hands on a storybook. His grades improved. He started asking smart questions. All because of one book.

That’s what World Book Day can do. It reminds us that books aren’t just for exams – they’re for life.

Why This Day Matters as Pakistanis

You won’t see big parades or fireworks for World Book Day here. But if you look closely, things are happening:

• Schools – Some good private schools and Universities organize book fairs. For instance, Punjab University and The University of Lahore are known to host activities like awareness walks, seminars, and discussions.
• Bookshops – Places like Urdu Bazar sometimes offer discounts. Last year, they completely sold out Story Books.
• Libraries – The few that exist might have special readings. The British Council library usually does something.
• Social Media – More authors are doing live sessions now. Young writers talk about their work.

The Problems We Face

Let’s not kid ourselves. We have big challenges:

• Books cost too much. A new novel can cost Rs. 1,500. That’s too mush for many.
• No reading culture. Most kids see books as school punishment, not pleasure.
• Few libraries. Even in big cities, good public libraries are rare.

What You Can Actually Do

You don’t need to wait for World Book Day to do something. Here are real things that work:

• Start small – Read just 10 pages a day. That’s one chapter of most books.
• Swap books – Exchange books with friends instead of buying new ones.
• Support local authors – Buy books from Pakistani writers. They need it more than foreign authors.
• Donate books – That old novel collecting dust? Give it to a school or library.

The Truth About Reading

People think reading is hard or boring. It’s not. You don’t have to read heavy philosophy. Start with simple things:

• Sports magazines
• Cookbooks
• Short stories

The point is to read something, anything. Even 15 minutes a day makes a difference.

Final Thoughts

World Book Day isn’t about big celebrations. It’s about remembering that books matter. In a country where education is already struggling, reading can be the easiest way to get ahead.

This April 23rd, do one small thing. Read a book. Give a book. Talk about a book. That’s how real change starts – not with big speeches, but with small actions.