Mashal incorporated as a registered society in 1988, is an NGO and was set up by OBOR: The International Book Institute which had helped set up other such organizations in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Morocco.
The goal was to aid book-poor nations through the development of indigenous book publishing enterprises that would enter and participate in the modern world of ideas. Through its books Mashal makes available to all, the best analyses of contemporary problems.
Mashal’s Books focuses on issues of contemporary relevance; education and modern thought, the environment, women’s issues, health, issues of governance, popular science and society, and human rights.
Analytical and informative works, as well as works of fiction have been published. Barring a few exceptions, most of the books are in Urdu – the medium of choice, given our target group of students, teachers, development workers and the general public.
Low subsidized prices within reach of students and the general reader.
CATAGORIES:
- Education
- Fiction
- Women issues
- Politics
- Behavioural sciences
For over two decades Mashal Books has been steadily publishing high quality books on social, cultural and developmental themes of contemporary relevance to Pakistan and its society, as well as those going beyond any particular society or situation.
Mashal is composed of a voluntary managing committee which governs the organization and a small editorial office in Lahore which looks after the careful work of translation and original writings. Accounts are regularly audited and financial transparency is a working principle. While Mashal works for the widest dissemination of its publications, it is a non-commercial, non-profit enterprise. Mashal therefore seeks the support of individuals and aid giving agencies worldwide which consider the foregoing objectives worthy of promotion.
Mashal has been actively participating and collaborating in conducting seminars on various social issues, ranging from peace workshops and dialogues between people and politicians to symposiums on education.
Activities:
Book launch
Mashal launches Urdu edition of “I am Malala”
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Symposium on reviving education in Pakistan
Education Reform and The White Paper
AWARENESS RAISING ACTIVITIES
Dialogue between citizens and the politicians on issues of security and peace in South Asia
One day peace workshop
Seminars on Religious Tolerance and Good Governance
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Eqbal Ahmad Distinguished Lecture – Mani Shankar Aiyar
Seminar – Pakistan after Osama bin Laden: options for Pakistan
Memorial Meeting commemorating the fourth death anniversary of Dr. Abdus Salam
Seminar on Violence in our society
Prof. Noam Chomsky’s lecture