Iran and Pakistan Agreed to Translate Children's Books
The National Book Foundation and the Iranian Embassy formed a partnership to bring 40 Iranian children's books to Urdu readers.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Books
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The National Book Foundation has partnered with the Iranian Embassy to translate and publish 40 Iranian children's books in Urdu. This collaboration aims to increase the availability of diverse literary works for children across Pakistan.
Why it matters
The initiative serves to introduce Iranian literature to a new audience of Urdu speakers. It helps bridge cultural gaps by making international reading material more accessible to the youth.
The agreement formalizes the transfer of copyrights and translation rights for 40 specific Iranian titles. The National Book Foundation will manage all subsequent printing, marketing, and distribution efforts across Pakistan.
The players
National Book Foundation
This organization operates in Pakistan to promote literacy and oversee the publication and distribution of educational materials.
Majid Meshki
He is an official representing interests involved in the literary collaboration with the National Book Foundation.
Kamran Jahangir
He is a doctor who participated in the high-level meeting regarding the upcoming translation initiative.
Murad Ali Mohmand
He was a primary participant in the discussions regarding the cultural partnership between the two nations.
The details
The Iranian Embassy will provide the necessary Urdu translations and associated copyrights, while the National Book Foundation assumes responsibility for the production and nationwide distribution of the volumes.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: Representatives held a formal meeting at the National Book Foundation in Islamabad.
Near future: A formal Memorandum of Understanding is scheduled to be signed by government officials and the Iranian Ambassador.
Industry Dynamics
This collaboration follows the standards set by the National Book Foundation's literacy promotion programs to expand access to educational resources. By prioritizing translation, the project marks a shift toward diversifying domestic reading markets with international content.
Readers in Pakistan will soon gain access to 40 previously unavailable children's books translated into Urdu. This expansion increases the variety of regional and international literature available for families and educators to purchase or borrow.
The takeaway
Cultural exchange programs like this help build deeper understanding between nations through the medium of storytelling. Families interested in diversifying their home libraries should keep an eye on upcoming announcements from the National Book Foundation regarding release dates.
What happens next
A formal signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding is expected to take place in the near future, featuring the Iranian Ambassador and the Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest literary collaborations and releases in the Books section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Associated Press Of Pakistan.
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