Book lovers throng Expo Centre as 19th International Book Fair kicks off

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 19th Karachi International Book Fair on Thursday, described it as a celebration of knowledge, culture, and imagination.

"It is an honour to be part of an event that brings together book lovers, authors, publishers, and readers on one platform," he said and praised the fair as a vital venue for publishers, booksellers, and librarians, fostering engagement and collaboration within the literary community.

The 19th Karachi International Book Fair, a prestigious five-day literary event, is held at the Expo Centre. The CM was joined at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the book fair by Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, President Arts Council Pakistan Ahamd Shah and event organisers Waqar Matin Khan and Aziz Khalid.

Talking about the significance of the event, the CM noted that the book fair united both national and international publishers, promoting the exchange of ideas and boosting book sales. "It creates opportunities for authors to interact with publishers and readers, encouraging creative dialogue and fostering a culture of critical thinking," he said.

The CM commended the dedication of the organisers, and managing committee of the book fair led by Waqar Mateen and his team for their efforts in making the event a success. "Your passion for promoting literature and love for books is truly commendable," he remarked.

This year, the fair features participation from 40 organisations representing 17 countries, marking a significant literary and cultural milestone for Pakistan. Shah expressed pride in Karachi hosting the country’s largest book fair, alongside other recent cultural events, including the 19th Urdu Conference and one of the world’s largest world cultural festivals.

Commenting on the vibrant atmosphere of the book fair, Shah said, "Seeing the enthusiastic turnout of people is heartwarming. I will try to visit the event again over the next four days to experience its essence."

He concluded by encouraging everyone to embrace the joy of reading. "Every book is a world in itself waiting to be discovered, every page a journey, and every reader the creator of their own story," Shah said, inviting all to immerse themselves in the written word.

The Karachi International Book Fair continues to be a beacon for promoting creative thinking, intellectual discourse, and cultural appreciation, making a growing impact each year. Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah, speaking on the occasion, emphasised the lasting value of traditional books, even as digital formats become increasingly important. "While digital books have their significance in today's world, the joy and immersive experience of flipping through the pages of a physical book remains unmatched," he said.

He also reflected on the historical contributions of Muslims to education and knowledge. Shah highlighted the establishment of the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in 859 AD in Morocco and the flourishing of the House of Wisdom (Bayt al-Hikmah) in Baghdad as a centre of learning in the 9th century. In comparison, Oxford University was established in the 12th century, illustrating the pioneering role Muslims played in advancing education.

Sardar Shah lamented, "Over time, Muslims gradually lost their intellectual and educational leadership due to various challenges. We must rediscover and embrace our rich heritage of knowledge and innovation." His served as a call to action, urging communities to value education and cultivate a culture of reading and learning for future generations.