A proud daughter of Chitral, Lakshan Bibi of the Kalash community, currently residing in the United States, has made a remarkable contribution by donating 100,000 books for the people of Chitral. Her noble gesture has been warmly welcomed and appreciated by the people of the valley, who see it as an investment in education, enlightenment, and the future of their children.


Surprisingly, a small group affiliated with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) has opposed this generous act. Ironically, this very party contests elections using the symbol of a book. Yet, they claim without logic or evidence that books printed in the U.S. pose a threat to Pakistani culture and values.


Such a stance not only insults the intelligence of the people of Chitral but also exposes the contradictions in their narrative. Books, regardless of where they are printed, are tools of knowledge, not weapons of destruction. Ideas are not confined by borders; wisdom is universal. The Holy Quran itself begins with the command "Iqra"—Read. Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the pursuit of knowledge even if one had to travel as far as China.


To oppose books on the basis of origin is to deny the spirit of Islam, the legacy of our scholars, and the needs of our youth. Those who truly believe in education should be the first to welcome such donations, not condemn them. Lakshan Bibi's act should be celebrated across party lines, and we must reject any attempt to politicize or discredit such a selfless gift meant solely for the uplift of our society.


Let it be clear: books are never dangerous. Ignorance is.