Sharjah: Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan today inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, which runs from November 4 to 15, 2026, at the Expo Centre Sharjah. The event was attended by representatives from prominent Pakistani publishing houses, including Mr. Gagan Shahid of Book Corner Jhelum, Mr. Daniyal Salam of Ferozsons (Pvt.) Ltd., and Mr. Sarmad Khan of Urdu Books World.

According to Press Information Department, the Pakistan Pavilion features a range of Urdu and English publications such as poetry, novels, children’s books, educational and research works, and volumes on history and culture. Ambassador Khan toured various stalls of Pakistani publishers, including Qudrat Ullah Company, Zia Ul Quran Publications, and Paramount Books. He expressed gratitude to the organisers and highlighted Sharjah’s status as a hub for culture, knowledge, and education. He urged UAE residents, especially the Pakistani community in Sharjah, to visit the fair and engage with literature. The Ambassador reaffirmed the continued support of the Government of Pakistan and the Embassy for future participation in the fair.

During the visit, Ambassador Khan met with H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, to explore opportunities for enhancing literary and cultural collaboration between Pakistan and Sharjah. Topics included expanding the availability of Urdu books for the Pakistani community in Sharjah. Mr. Al Ameri stressed the importance of cooperation in broadening cultural and literary access.

Additionally, the Ambassador visited the Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi Foundation’s stall, where Director Sheikh Ayman Hamdi Al-Akbari briefed him on initiatives to preserve Islamic scholarly heritage. The Ambassador appreciated the Foundation’s release of Shah Waliullah Muhaddis Dehlvi’s works, with commentaries by Pakistani scholar Mufti Abdul Khaliq Azad Raipuri, aimed at reaching wider audiences.