SWABI: Speakers at the inaugural session of three-day book fair here on Wednesday said that the role of teachers was critical in inculcating the habit of book reading among students while enhancing their knowledge and learning capabilities.

The book fair was inaugurated by Prof Khanzadi Fatima Khattak, vice-chancellor of the Women University Swabi, at the varsity here. She said that universities should play an effective role in promotion of book reading habit among the students, which would enable them to deliver in diverse fields.

Prof Fatima said that the government should support universities to strengthen their libraries and provide an environment to the students conducive for learning.

Other faculty members said that the university was committed to strengthening its library facilities and book reading culture. They said that special incentives should be offered to the university aca-demia for writing books relevant to the country`s socio-economic issues.

A large number of books on various topics were displayed at the fair. The students of girl colleges and schools from across the district were also invited by the university to visit the stalls to encourage bool( reading culture.

WORKERS GET RELIEF: Workers of Tarbela Dam fourth extension project here on Wednesday called off their strike after officials of Sinohydro/Wapda in a meeting accepted their demands, including payment of arrears of the minimum wage increase.

Awami Labour Union president Mohammad Ishfaq and general secretary Aslam Adil represented the workers. The project officials agreed to pay the arrears of the minimum wage to the workers. The workers had complained that they were paid the increased minimum wage of Rs14,000 from Feb 2017 instead of July 2016.

When contacted, Mr Adil said that their major demands had been accepted.