Book, ed-tech fair concludes withrecord crowds
With 60 book stalls in the main gymnasium hall and the grounds, the fair offers more than 300,000 books on fiction, non-fiction and academics. The book fair will continue till tomorrow. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN/EXPRESS
The Karachi International Book & Ed-Tech Fair (KIBTF) 2026 concluded on a triumphant note, blending a surge in public enthusiasm for books with landmark agreements aimed at transforming Pakistan's education landscape through technology and innovation.
The three-day mega event drew more than 400,000 visitors, with book sales crossing 600,000 copies, signalling a renewed national interest in reading and knowledge-sharing. Organisers also highlighted strong student engagement, with 50,000 students participating in Robo Sports, showcasing growing curiosity and skill in emerging technologies.
A major highlight of the fair was a sweeping education investment push. M-Tech Systems announced a Rs five billion interest-free financing programme to establish digital classrooms across schools, while additional projects worth Rs700 million will set up robotics, artificial intelligence, and STEM laboratories in more than 170 schools nationwide.