The five-day literary festival features 325 booths, exhibitors from 17 countries and strong audience participation.
Women crowd the fair, eagerly browsing novels, fiction and bestsellers. From consultation to purchase, the fair offered them a space to celebrate their love for books. Photo: Jalal Qureshi/Express
KARACHI:
The Karachi World Book Fair 2025 got off to a vibrant start at the Exhibition Center on Friday, turning the venue into a bustling center of literary enthusiasm. Book enthusiasts of all ages packed the fair from the early hours, eager to explore 325 booths filled with titles ranging from fiction and romance to science, business and children’s literature.
The event has 325 book stalls under one roof, with the participation of 40 foreign exhibitors from 17 countries, offering books on practically every topic imaginable. The schools arrived with students in the morning, the families arrived in the afternoon and, in the evening, a large number of young people and groups of friends filled the place.
Despite the digital and AI-driven age, readers of all ages were seen enthusiastically browsing and purchasing their favorite titles. Visitors said the importance of books has not diminished, even in an age dominated by technology. Many stalls offered discounts ranging from 40 to 50 percent on children’s books, novels, fiction, textbooks, academic, literary and Islamic books, drawing steady crowds throughout the day.
The three rooms, decorated in white, blue, orange and other vibrant colors, were packed on opening day. More than 140 leading Pakistani publishers and booksellers, along with international exhibitors, showcased best-sellers, young adult fiction, romance, crime and thriller, science, business, architecture, design, literature, Islamic studies, children’s stories and educational books. In the morning, the school administration accompanied the students to the fair, where the children could be seen enthusiastically exploring educational and reading material. Teachers guided students on the importance of reading and helped them select books. In the afternoon numerous families arrived, while at night there was a notable increase in young visitors, colleagues and groups of friends. Many people not only browsed books but also made purchases at reduced prices.
Older visitors said they wait all year for the book fair to buy quality books at affordable prices. Young readers, especially students, showed a strong preference for novels, fiction, romance and best-selling titles, while Islamic book stalls and children’s sections also remained crowded.
