‘Karachi World Book Fair’ opens at Expo Centre

Hundreds of students, readers and book gathered at the Expo Centre on Thursday as the Karachi World Book Fair began, signalling renewed interest in reading and literary culture in the city. The five-day fair will continue until December 22.

The opening ceremony was attended by Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah as chief guest, while President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Muhammad Ahmed Shah was the guest of honour. Other prominent attendees included Chairman of the Publishers and Booksellers Association Kamran Noorani, Director National Book Foundation Kamran Jahangir, and Convener of the Karachi International Book Fair Waqar Mateen Khan.
According to organisers, the fair features 140 local publishers and 40 foreign exhibitors from 17 countries, with a total of 329 book stalls set up across three halls of the Expo Centre. The exhibition offers a wide range of titles, including fiction, scientific and research publications, and books on Islamic studies and audiology.

Books are being sold at discounted prices, with a particular focus on engaging and distinctive titles for children. Organisers said the participation of students from various schools was especially encouraging and reflected growing interest in reading among the younger generation.

Speaking at the event, Muhammad Ahmed Shah said that seeing thousands of children drawn to books revived hope for a brighter future. He added that the Arts Council of Pakistan would continue to support positive and constructive initiatives in Karachi.
Addressing the gathering, Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah described books as the foundation of civilisation and the driving force behind the evolution of human society. He said the spread of knowledge would not have been possible without the invention of paper and the printing press. The minister also shared that billions of rupees have been allocated to schools in Sindh, with financial powers now devolved directly to schools.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by publishers, saying high taxes on book production create difficulties and should be reduced to encourage publishing and reading.

Organisers and participants alike are viewing the Karachi International Book Fair as a major cultural and educational event, attracting large numbers of students, teachers and members of the public.