Karachi, Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar, has expressed concern over the declining habit of reading books, attributing it to various factors including the rise in book costs and the distracting influence of mobile phones. He emphasized the need to foster a love for reading among children.

According to Chief Minister of Sindh, Justice Baqar made these remarks at the inauguration ceremony of the 18th Karachi International Book Fair, organized by The Publisher’s and Booksellers Association (PPBA) at the Expo Centre. The event was attended by notable figures such as Qazi Asad Abid, Mahmood Sham, and Ammena Syed of Oxford Press.

The Chief Minister pointed out the challenges in book production due to increased costs of paper, ink, and other materials. He acknowledged the federal government’s role in addressing the issue of paper prices. Responding to a query, he mentioned the recent removal of chairmen of educational boards, clarifying that most were on deputation or holding dual charges, and some even post-retirement, which was illegal. He assured that the recruitment of new chairmen based purely on merit would commence soon, with divisional commissioners temporarily assuming additional responsibilities.

Justice Baqar lauded the organizers of the 18th Karachi International Book Fair for their efforts to rekindle people’s interest in books. He remarked that the book fair provides a unique platform for publishers, booksellers, librarians, and institutional customers to engage with Karachi’s diverse and enthusiastic readership.

The Chief Minister highlighted the book fair’s role in fostering a vibrant literary community, serving as a conduit for the exchange of ideas and creativity between writers and publishers. He praised the event’s ability to attract domestic and international participants, making it a premier literary event in Pakistan.

The CM was briefed by the PPBS office bearers about the book fair, where 40 publishing organizations from 17 countries participated, and 330 stalls were set up. The occasion also saw speeches from Faisal Sabzwari and PPBS chairman Aziz Khalid.