International book fair draws crowds

The 18th Karachi International Book Fair (KIBF) kicked off at the Expo Centre under the auspices of the Pakistan Publishers and Booksellers Association (PPBA), welcoming bibliophiles and book enthusiasts for a five-day celebration of literature.

A total of 330 book stalls have been set up, drawing significant crowds on the very first day. Sindh's Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar, inaugurated the event.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the CM underlined the pivotal role books play in the development and progress of society. He regretted that the book reading habit has been declining over time due to several factors, including lack of development of reading habits among children, rising costs of books, and excessive use of mobile phones, which has diverted readers' attention.

The CM said that the cost of book publishing has increased due to the increase in the prices of paper, ink and other related things. "I'll try to take necessary measures to reduce the price of the papers, but it is the subject of the federal government," he added.

Expressing delight at witnessing children engaged in reading, he pledged to discuss paper and imported book duties with the federal government, offering support to the PPBA.

He encouraged both parents and teachers to cultivate a love for reading in children, to create enthusiastic readers. He expressed that books are valuable companions that foster empathy, ingenuity, and education in those who read them.

He said, the book fair offers a unique platform for publishers, booksellers, librarians, and institutional customers to converge. He added that this annual gathering provided an exclusive opportunity to connect with the diverse and avid readership of Karachi.

Justice Baqar said that the event has garnered significant acclaim over the years, attracting both domestic and international participants.  "It serves as a conduit for the exchange of ideas and creativity between writers and publishers, fostering a vibrant literary community," he said and added, the positive response from attendees has consistently elevated the KIBF, making it the premier book fair in Pakistan each year.

In discussions with the media, the interim CM revealed the removal of the chairman of the Sindh Textbook Board for improvement purposes. Regarding the transfer of education boards and universities from the chief minister to the governor, he stated that it is a legal matter requiring careful consideration and cannot be immediately addressed.

PPBA Chairman Aziz Khalid voiced concerns about the impact of the recent appreciation of the US dollar against the rupee, leading to excessive duties on paper and books in the new import policy.

He highlighted the inability of local manufacturers to meet the demand for paper, resulting in a surge in textbook prices from private publishers. Khalid called on the chief minister to engage with the federal government on this matter and play a proactive role.

Khalid underlined that the book fair aims to foster a culture of reading and the use of libraries in Pakistan. He acknowledged the vital role played by private schools in promoting book culture, with many establishing libraries and book corners within their institutions to enhance book literacy among students. Moreover, Khalid mentioned the presence of esteemed writers invited to the festival to acknowledge their contributions to literature.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 15^th, 2023.