The KIBF 2021 begins at the Expo Centre Karachi

KARACHI: Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah formally launched the five-day 16th Karachi International Book Fair 2021 on Thursday at Expo Centre Karachi.

At the inauguration ceremony, former Education Minister Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq, renowned writer and artist Anwar Maqsood, and writer Fatima Hassan were among the guests, as were MQM leader Haider Abbas Rizvi, writer Shahida Hassan, President Arts Council Ahmed Shah, director of a private institution Mansoob Hussain Siddiqui, writer Mahmood Sham, and a large number of diplomats.

Despite the fact that it was a school vacation on the first day, thousands of people visited the book fair, including school and college students.

Syed Sardar Ali Shah, the Minister of Education, vowed in his speech to write a letter to the federal government requesting a tax exemption on paper. He further stated that he would introduce a motion in the Sindh Assembly to eliminate the paper tax.

"While this is the age of modern technology, the pleasure of reading a hardcopy book is incomparable," he continued. The minister stated that the book fair could not be held last year owing of Covid-19, but that it will again be held.

Syed Sardar Ali Shah stated that similar book fairs would be organized in Larkana, Hyderabad, and other Sindh districts, similar to the one hosted in Karachi.

In his speech, former education minister Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq stated that he has a long history with books, having previously worked as a journalist.

"I try to go to the International Book Fair every year." Every year, I bring my children and purchase the books of my choice.

Chairman International Book Fair Aziz Khalid, speaking at the event, stated that the production of decent and quality books in Pakistan will be possible only if a reliable supply of low-cost, high-quality paper is available.

He explained that there are two options: either remove or cut the levy on imported paper, or create standard and inexpensive paper locally.

"Standard books have been out of reach of the middle class due to increased taxes on imported paper. Education should not be charged, according to Khalid Aziz.