The much-awaited 17th Karachi International Book Fair (KIBF) opened at the Expo Centre on Thursday, drawing crowds of citizens, including students, teachers, political and social workers.
As many as 330 stalls of books on various topics have been set up at the fair that will continue till December 12. According to organizers, 136 local and 40 international publishers have set up stalls at the show.
“We need to promote the book reading culture,” said Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah. “We also need to introduce our new generation to local and international history and culture,” he added while speaking as the guest speaker at the inauguration of the book fair.
Shah dispelled the impression that the inhabitants of Indus Valley Civilization were invaders, saying that they were in fact defenders. He lamented that the teachers of Sindhi and Urdu languages in private schools could not teach their subjects properly. “We need to train them to teach languages properly,” he added.
Aziz Khalid, Chairman Pakistan Publishers and Booksellers Association, said that he wanted to organize such book fairs in different parts of the country to inculcate the book reading habit in the new generation.
He pointed out that the prices of books have been increasing due to the custom duty on paper import. He requested the provincial minister to look into the matter and help out the publishers by reducing this duty.
While speaking on the occasion, former MPA and well-known literary figure Mehtab Akbar Rashdi said: “The book was the only friend that stayed with us when everyone was keeping social distance during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Rashdi highlighted the power of book reading and its value in the current digital age. Books written on different topics have varying impacts on the mind, she said, adding that books keep a close relationship with their readers.
Students visiting from other cities also took keen interest in the books on display at the fair.
“This is the first time I am visiting such a book fair,” said Abdul Salam from Tando Jan Mohammad. “I have purchased some very interesting books,” he added.
Another visitor Dr Shama Afroze said that she has been visiting this book fair for many years. “I always found some new books at this fair,” she said. “New writers are not entertained by renowned publishers,” she lamented.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 9th, 2022.
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