The Karachi World Book Fair commenced its five-day run at the Expo Centre on Thursday afternoon, drawing hundreds of enthusiastic schoolchildren. The event, organized by the Pakistan Publishers and Booksellers Association (PPBA), features 329 stalls with participants from 17 nations.
Inauguration and Key Speeches
Hall No. 4 hosted the formal inauguration, where Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah highlighted the importance of books for societal evolution. “A book is imperative for human society’s evolution,” he stated, crediting China for paper and Germany for printing machinery. SindhNews.com reported the minister’s presence.
Mr. Shah voiced concerns about AI potentially diminishing children’s creativity, stating, “We can’t let books die. If books die, our dreams will die, we will die.” He urged the federal government to reduce paper taxes, which negatively impact the publishing industry and reading culture.
SindhNews.com also noted the minister’s call for federal support. He announced the Sindh government’s plan to establish book corners in all provincial schools to foster reading habits. International book fairs are also planned for other Sindh cities.
Publishers and Participants
Arts Council President Ahmed Shah delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the positive turnout of schoolchildren. PPBA Chairman Kamran Noorani encouraged parental involvement in purchasing books for children and highlighted the importance of schools promoting reading. The Karachi World Book Fair is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm until December 22.
This fair serves as a significant platform to promote literature and reading across Pakistan, fostering a culture of knowledge dissemination.