GUJRAT: As many as 15 `micro libraries` (book boxes) have been installed in at least three different public and family parks of Wazirabad to promote book reading among the people.

According to an official of local administration, the boxes and books for these `micro libraries` have been provided by the local community to promote book reading.

He says at five boxes containing books have been installed each in the City Park (Wazirabad), Municipal Park (Gakhar Mandi) and Family Park (Alipur Chattha).

The book lovers as well as regular visitors to these public parks have appreciated the initiative by the local administration.

A faculty member of the University of Gujrat (UoG), who lives in Wazirabad, says that in an era dominated by social media, the promotion of book reading habit needs to be promoted to encourage quest for authentic information in society.

Another resident says that though theratio of book readers in these parks was not as encouraging as it should be, but it could gradually improve if the facility is properly maintained.

Wazirabad Assistant Commissioner Rab Nawaz Chadhar says the initiative is part of the Punjab chief minister`s `Parho Punjab` programme.He said initiative would also be extended to Wazirabad Railway Station and waiting areas of local transport stands.

It is learnt that Gujranwala Deputy Commissioner Naveed Ahmed, who also holds the additional charge of Wazirabad district, has commended the initiativeand ordered all other ACs to replicate it in Gujranwala district, in collaboration with the civil society.

Official sources say CM Maryam Nawaz has also issued directions to expand the model across the province.

TWO KILLED: Two motorcyclists died as their bikes collided with each other in front of Eidgah on the GT Road early on Monday morning.

Rescue 1122 officials say that bikes of Parvez Ahmed (60) of Tarigabad locality of the city and Shahzaib (30) of Thatha Fageer, Wazirabad city, collided head on, leaving both of them critically injured.

Both died before being shifted to hospital due to critical head injuries.

Rescue 1122 teams shifted the bodies to the Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital (ABSTH).

In another incident, an 80-year-old shepherd, Baildar Khan, died after being hit by a train near Dheru Gunna railway crossing on the city outskirts on Monday.

Rescue 1122 officials say the elderly man was grazing his sheep along the rail track when he was hit by the train.