Written by: Virdah Khan
Posted on: December 10, 2021 | 
| 中文
A meeting at the Desi Writers Lounge (DWL)
Groucho Marx stated that “I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” The question arises of how an average Pakistani television viewer would be inspired to read a page instead of watching a play in a day?
American comedian and actor Groucho Marx
Reading is considered a popular hobby amongst the rich and the educated around the world. As the famous saying goes, “men and women of letters” keep their books close by. Nowadays pages upon pages of books, and eye-catching book covers, grace our social timelines. But in a country such as Pakistan, which is home to world’s second largest out of school population, one wonders how book reading can be inculcated in the daily lives of those who have never seen the inside of a school? Or how could the scribbled fiction be a better engagement for those who are entranced by televised fiction?
An old man selling old books on the roadside
Despite Pakistan’s staggering number of out of school children, it remains a fertile land when it comes to voracious and habitual readers who belong to all social classes. Wars, societal discord, and governmental turmoil have not been able to blemish our hereditary affection for the written word. This is not surprising since Pakistan was conceived as a dream by a thought leader, whose Persian poetry moved the world. Iqbaliyat, along with the rich mannerism of the Arabian Peninsula, which is deeply entrenched in Islam, continue to reflect as intellectual curiosity that can only be satiated by reading more books. High achievements, accolades, and inventions thus continue to pour in for the bibliophiles of our country.
One of the many famous couplets of Iqbal
But not all readers go out to conquer the world. A vast majority of them aspire to become writers. In addition to free digital platforms, various local movements—both young and small—have started to formulate. Indie authors and publishers are gaining traction through these initiatives, with the added help of social media connectivity.
Kamila Shamsie and Mohsin Hamid, two contemporary Pakistani-origin writers of international acclaim
Desi Writers’ Lounge (DWL) is one such movement. The Lounge’s website tells us that it came together as a group on the now defunct online community called Orkut. Desi Writers’ Lounge soon became a website which started to publish its own magazine called Papercuts. In addition, DWL organizes monthly book club meetings in major cities across Pakistan. Kitab Circle discusses non-fiction books, while DWL’s Readers’ Clubs focus on dissecting fiction.
A group photo of the founders of Dastaan.
Much like DWL, the independent publishing platform Dastaan also supports young readers and writers. The difference between these two platforms is that while DWL is a gathering space, Dastaan has shaped itself into a publishing product that can be utilized by writers who want to gain access to a wider audience. Both these initiatives are Pakistani born and accessible to those with an internet connection.
Sunday Book Bazar, Anarkali, Lahore. (Picture credits to Locally Lahore)
Both these examples, of indie publishers and reading circles, demonstrate that there is a huge market of readers and writers alike in Pakistan. This is happening at a time when societal intolerance, stemmed in illiteracy & negative influence of media, is at an all time high.
Elizabeth King
What are the processes through which we can increase the literacy rate and overall education in our country? Is it possible to utilize the creativity and knowledge of preexistent local communities of readers, writers, and independent publishers? There appears to be a need for disruption and social change at the grassroot level, which is achievable through volunteerism and sustainable policy-making.
In a post for the World Bank blog, Elizabeth King stated that “the foundational skills acquired early in childhood make possible a lifetime of learning.” She continues that “learning needs to be encouraged early and often, both inside and outside of the formal schooling system.”
Through efforts directed by research and policy, Pakistan’s literati can play a significant role in social change to improve the literacy rates in our country. We have an indelible stream of talent, that is well read and self-employed, within the independent publishing industry. Why not utilize their experience and passion for social reform in education, in a manner not witnessed before?
Utilizing available resources and volunteerism would result in both increased literacy rates and tolerance levels. It would lead to an enhanced sense of well-being and freedom within our communities, across all social strata.
Moreover, Pakistan would be able to present the thought leadership and vision of its lettered youth to the modern world. All we need is a vision and a leadership that is committed to social change—and is not afraid of disrupting the status quo.
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