ISLAMABAD, Oct 23 (APP):National Book Foundation (NBF) of Pakistan and Azerbaijan’s Kritika Publishing have explored opportunities for cooperation in promoting children’s literature, translating selected books and developing joint publishing initiatives.
In this regard, Murad Ali Mohmand, Director (Headquarters) of the National Book Foundation, met with Zaur Hasanzade, a representative of Kritika Publishing, on the sidelines of the Baku International Book Fair 2026, held at the Baku Expo Center in Azerbaijan.
During the meeting, Murad Ali Mohmand presented the NBF’s catalogue of children’s publications and proposed an initial pilot project involving two or three selected Pakistani books. Under the proposal, the Azerbaijani publishing house could be granted complimentary publishing rights to facilitate their translation into Azerbaijani and subsequent publication in Azerbaijan, according to a message received here on Friday.
The initiative aims to introduce Pakistani children’s literature to international readers while familiarising young audiences with Pakistan’s literary and cultural traditions.
The discussions also highlighted a children’s book published by Kritika Publishing, which attracted particular interest from the NBF.
Murad Ali Mohmand proposed translating the book into Urdu for publication in Pakistan under a joint publishing (co-publishing) arrangement between the NBF and Kritika Publishing.
The proposed collaboration would also include co-branding, featuring the names and logos of both institutions, while utilising the NBF’s nationwide book distribution network to make the publication accessible to young readers across Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Murad Ali Mohmand reaffirmed the NBF’s commitment to cultivating reading habits among the younger generation, providing access to quality and informative literature, and strengthening partnerships with international publishers to promote Pakistani literary works globally.
He expressed hope that reciprocal translation initiatives would enable children in both countries to develop a deeper understanding of each other’s languages, cultures and literary traditions.
The representatives also discussed the need for further consultations to finalise the selection of titles, translation and publishing rights, and other relevant arrangements before proceeding with the proposed initiatives.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
