The 16th Karachi International Book Fair (KIBF), which begins on December 30 at the Expo Centre, will have approximately 330 stalls, according to the Chairman of the Publishers and Booksellers Association Pakistan, Aziz Khalid.
The KIBF will feature 136 top Pakistani publishers and bookstores, as well as 40 exhibitors from 17 countries, according to the organizing committee. The book fair will be inaugurated by Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah.
Khalik stated during a press conference on Tuesday that 400,000 people are anticipated to attend the event.
Furthermore, he added, “On a single platform, the KIBF brings together publishing and distribution firms, domestic and international publishers, bookstores, librarians, and institutional consumers.” The event will be attended by publishers from Iran, India, Turkey, Singapore, China, Malaysia, England, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries.” Moreover, he said that the KIBF has evolved into a unique literary event with educated and motivated attendees from all walks of life.
The latest edition, according to Khalid, will be notable and unique, as efforts are made to establish effective working relationships with key international book fairs, leading to an exchange of professional expertise and highlighting the importance of book fairs at both the national and international levels.
He elaborated, “Fairs are not only book exhibits anymore; international book fairs are very important forums not only for publishers but also for the government agencies, missions as an effective tool for diplomacy.”
In addition, he said, “Also underlined is the commitment to the propagation of knowledge by highlighting the values of humanism and ethics that promote tolerance, discussions, and openness to others in a civilized society.”
The KIBF aspires to encourage the nation’s youth, including students, to participate in cultural and creative activities in order to reinforce their position as pillars of a prosperous intellectual, scientific, and cultural future.
Book enthusiasts, students of all ages and groups, professionals from all walks of life, academicians, writers, librarians, and other members of the public will attend the event. During the fair, prominent writers will have their books launched and released, and children will compete in drawing, recitation, speaking, and quiz events.
Waqar Mateen Khan, the KIBF’s organizer, thanked the publishers and bookstores for their involvement. He hoped that this year’s event would attract a record-breaking number of guests. From December 30, 2021, to January 3, 2022, the book fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
