On World Book Day, Afghans say they fear the weakening of book culture in the country. 

They said that economic challenges and the use of the Internet by youth are the reasons that they are not interested in studying. 

“People have the most interest in social media and do not have an interest in studying books, and because of economics most citizens are illiterate,” said Ahmad, a book reader. 

“In Afghanistan, the study is not important for people, and we call on the Islamic Emirate to provide opportunities for people to study,” said Hameed, a book reader. 

Meanwhile, some booksellers said that the book sales market is also facing stagnation. 

“In Afghanistan, the culture of book reading is at its lowest level, so we expect the Islamic Emirate and our people to pay attention to books and the culture of reading,” said Mukhtar, a bookseller. 

Some Kabul residents called on the Islamic Emirate to do something to develop the reading culture. 

“We ask the Islamic Emirate to create libraries and bring books; without study, we cannot progress," said Mohammad Azmari, a Kabul resident. 

“Book studying is a good thing, and we should try to study,” said Ahmad Zubir, a Kabul resident. 

World Book Day is an annual event celebrated on April 23, and this day is named by UNESCO.