Paulo Coelho appeals for sending books to Balochistan

Renowned novelist Paulo Coelho, best known for his worldwide best-selling novel The Alchemist, has urged fans to send books to Balochistan.

“Send books to Balochistan, they’re building reading rooms,” said the novelist, referring to a post by a news outlet regarding a project to set up a library in Wadh district of Balochistan.

Siraj Sheikh, an engineering graduate from the University of Khuzdar, told the media outlet that Paulo Coelho and Turkish novelist Elif Shafak are widely popular in Balochistan, which is unusual as their books are not sold there.

Siraj along with his friends are setting up the Wadh Students Library in an old abandoned building that has been renovated after receiving personal savings and donations from local residents. 

The youth have been receiving books from different segments across the province. Balochistan Youth against Coronavirus has donated 500 books and has appealed for more contributions.

“This may come as a surprise to many people but the people of Balochistan are very well-read,” Siraj told a private news channel. “When we spoke to the youth there about the books they needed, we received the names of authors such as Elif Shafak and Paulo Coelho.”

BYAC is working on sending books for 13 community-built libraries across Balochistan including in tin Awaran struct by a devastating earthquake in 2013 while another library is underway in Nal district.

The organisation has volunteers who frequently travel to and from Balochistan and deliver books. Their aim is to provide young people with a place where they can read and study peacefully.