KARACHI: Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqarhas observed that the habit of reading books has been declining over time due to several factors, including the lack of development of reading habits among children, the rising cost of books, and the excessive use of mobile phones, which has diverted readers’ attention.

He encouraged both parents and teachers to cultivate a love for reading in children, to create enthusiastic readers. He expressed that books are valuable companions that foster empathy, ingenuity, and education in those who read them.  This he said while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the 18th Karachi International Book Fair organised by The Publisher’s and Booksellers Association (PPBA) at Expo Centre on Thursday. Those who attended the program include Qazi Asad Abid, Mahmood Sham, Ammena Syed of Oxford Press and others.

The CM said that the cost of book production has increased due to the increase in the prices of paper, ink and other concerned ingredients. “I’ll try to take necessary measures to reduce the price of the papers, but it is the subject of the federal government,” he said. To a question, Justice Baqar said that the chairmen of educational boards have been removed under the law. “Most of them were working on deputation, dual charges and even after their retirement which was illegal,” he said and added that the process of the recruitment of the new chairmen purely on merit would be started initiated soon, meanwhile the divisional commissioners have been given additional charges so that their work may not hamper,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, the CM appreciated the organisers of the 18th Karachi International Book Fair (KIBF). “You are playing your role to incline the people towards books by organising such a beautiful event.  He said that the book fair was offering a unique platform for publishers, booksellers, librarians, and institutional customers to converge. He added that this annual gathering provided an exclusive opportunity to connect with the diverse and avid readership of Karachi.  Justice Baqar said that the event has garnered significant acclaim over the years, attracting both domestic and international participants. “It serves as a conduit for the exchange of ideas and creativity between writers and publishers, fostering a vibrant literary community,” he said and added the positive response from attendees has consistently elevated the KIBF, making it the premier book fair in Pakistan each year.

Earlier, the office bearers of the PPBS received the chief minister and gave him a detailed briefing on the book fair. The CM was told that in the international book fair 40 publishing organisations of 17 countries were participating. The booksellers have set up 330 stalls,  Those who spoke on the occasion include Faisal Sabzwari, and PPBS chairman Aziz Khalid.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 15 2023

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