Thousands attend Karachi Int’l Book Fair

KARACHI: Thousands of literature lovers including students thronged the ongoing  five day Karachi International Book Fair (KIBF) in Expo center on its second day, marking a remarkable success for the large number of interactive sessions, dialogues and literary activities taking place at the event.

According to a report aired by a private news channel, more than 110 leading publishers and booksellers from Pakistan, and 45 exhibitors from 17 countries are participating in the KIBF which began on Friday.

The book fair has 330 book stalls while publishers from Iran, India, Turkey, Singapore, the UK and others are participating in the event being attended by writers, poets, students and professionals.

Visitors said that the purpose of visiting the book fair is to enhance the knowledge of their children as well as their own knowledge as there is no comparison to what a book can teach a person.

“The KIBF is providing book lovers and students with an opportunity to buy books of leading and renowned publishers at a good discount,” a visitor Javed Syed said.

According to the organisers, it was shocking to see the number of people who flocked to the event, showing that people’s interest in reading books has not died out.

A medical student Sana Shah said, the trend of reading books has not ended among the youth, despite what people may believe. It is quite alive and well but the way of reading has shifted from books to online.

PPBA Chairman Khalid Aziz said, Our cheerful and competent team of consultants, offering free parenting booklets, free presentations, answering all questions, working 12-hour shifts to accommodate the overwhelming response.

He said like every year the response from local and international exhibitors was good. International publishing houses also come to the event, and even those who could not come send their books.

“Various book launching and book release ceremonies will also be held for notable writers during the fair, besides various contests like drawing, recitation, extempore speech, and quiz for kids,” he added.