Book fairs vital for literary community, says Murad

Opens 19th Karachi International Book Fair


Our Correspondent December 13, 2024
Women browse through publications on display at the Karachi International Book Fair, which opened at Expo Centre on Thursday. Photo: jalal qureshi/express

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KARACHI:

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 19th Karachi International Book Fair described it as a celebration of knowledge, culture, and imagination.

"It is an honour to be part of an event that brings together book lovers, authors, publishers, and readers on one platform," he said and praised the fair as a vital venue for publishers, booksellers, and librarians, fostering engagement and collaboration within the literary community.

The 19th Karachi International Book Fair, a prestigious five-day literary event held at the Expo Centre.

He was joined at the ribbon-cutting ceremony by Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, President Arts Council of Pakistan Ahamd Shah and the organisers of the event Waqar Matin Khan and Aziz Khalid.

The CM commended the dedication of the organisers, and managing committee led by Waqar Mateen and his team for their efforts in making the event a success.

This year, the fair features participation from 40 organisations representing 17 countries, marking a significant literary and cultural milestone for Pakistan.

"Every book is a world waiting to be discovered, every page a journey, and every reader the creator of their own story," Shah said, inviting all to immerse themselves in the written word.

Education Minister Sardar Shah, speaking on the occasion, emphasised the lasting value of traditional books, even as digital formats become increasingly important. "While digital books have their significance in today's world, the joy and immersive experience of flipping through the pages of a physical book remains unmatched," he said.

Murad, World Bank discuss projects

CM Murad Ali Shah held a high-level meeting with a World Bank team led by Country Director Najy Benhassine via video link to review the progress of a $3.1 billion active portfolio encompassing 13 developmental projects in the province.

The discussion focused on accelerating the K-IV Augmentation Project, producing a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) report on the recent gate failure incident in Sukkur Barrage, along with solar energy initiatives, infrastructure rehabilitation, and advancements in urban mobility.

During the meeting, Shah announced that work on the K-IV Augmentation Project, a $256 million component of the KWSSIP, will begin on December 30, 2024.

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