On Thursday, the eagerly anticipated 17th Karachi International Book Fair (KIBF) began operations at the Expo Centre, drawing large throngs of locals, including students, teachers, political activists, and social workers.
The book expo, which runs through December 12, has 330 booths with books on diverse subjects. 40 foreign publishers and 136 local publishers had booths at the expo, according to the organisers.
“We need to promote the book reading culture,” said Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah. “We also need to introduce our new generation to local and international history and culture,” he added while speaking as the guest speaker at the inauguration of the book fair.
Shah debunked the notion that the Indus Valley Civilization’s residents were invading forces by stating that they were rather defenders. He bemoaned the fact that Sindhi and Urdu teachers in private institutions were unable to impart proper knowledge of their topics. He continued, “We need to prepare them to teach languages properly.
In order to foster the habit of reading books among the younger generation, Aziz Khalid, chairman of the Pakistan Publishers and Booksellers Association, said he wished to hold such book fairs around the nation.
He emphasised how the custom charge on imported paper has led to an increase in book pricing. He asked the provincial minister to investigate the situation and aid the publishers by lowering this tax.
Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, a well-known author and former MPA, said during his speech at the event that “the book was the only friend that stayed with us when everyone was keeping social distance during the Covid-19 outbreak.”
Rashdi emphasised the importance of reading books in the contemporary digital era. She added that different novels keep a strong contact with their readers and have distinct effects on the psyche.
The books on display at the fair also piqued the curiosity of students travelling from neighbouring places.
“This is the first time I am visiting such a book fair,” said Abdul Salam from Tando Jan Mohammad. “I have purchased some very interesting books,” he added.
Dr. Shama Afroze, a different visitor, claimed to have been coming to this book market for many years. “I always found some new books at this fair,” she said. Reputable publishers don’t take new writers seriously, she lamented.
