20th Karachi World Book Fair opens Dec 18

KARACHI:

The 20th Karachi World Book Fair will commence on December 18 at the Expo Centre and continue for five days, bringing together readers, writers, publishers, and literary institutions from across the country and abroad. Around 500,000 visitors are expected to attend the annual event, which has become a major fixture in Pakistan's academic and cultural calendar.

Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, Chairman of the Pakistan Publishers and Booksellers Association (PPBA) Kamran Noorani said the fair will feature around 300 stalls representing local and international publishers. He said the event aims to promote reading culture and intellectual exchange by connecting book lovers and knowledge seekers under one roof.

PPBA Secretary General and Fair Convener, Waqar Mateen Khan, said that nearly 85 percent of the exhibition space has already been booked, reflecting strong interest from participants. He added that the Chief Minister of Sindh has been invited to inaugurate the event.

PPBA Vice Chairman Nadeem Mazhar noted that the National Book Foundation and other government institutions are extending full support to the fair.