ISLAMABAD: An exhibition to celebrated national book day opened at the PakChina Friendship Center this Tuesday.

The exhibition was organized by the National Book Foundation (NBF). The inaugural ceremony featured a parade, a `book anthem`, the hoisting of the `book flag` and an oath-taking ceremony.

National book day has been celebrated by the foundation since the last five years.

NBF managing director, Dr Inam-ul-Haq Javeld, said that celebrating national book day gives book lovers the opportunity to buy books at discounted rates from stalls at the exhibition. `The exhibition will encourage a reading habit and promote education in the country,` he added.

Events such as the peace conference, a dialogue on human rights, gissa khawani on folk stories of Pakistani languages, kitab kahani, overseas Pakistani writers` corner, big book reading, and a book walk are also part of the exhibition.

A large number of people from twin cities are expected to attend the exhibition, Dr Inam said.