Five-day literary festival features 325 stalls, exhibitors from 17 countries, and heavy public turnout
Women throng the fair, eagerly flipping through novels, fictions, and bestsellers. From browsing to buying, the fair offered them a space to celebrate their love for books. Photo: Jalal Qureshi/Express
KARACHI:
The Karachi World Book Fair 2025 kicked off with a vibrant start at the Expo Centre on Friday, turning the venue into a bustling hub of literary excitement. Book enthusiasts of all ages thronged the fair from the very first hours, eager to explore 325 stalls brimming with titles from fiction and romance to science, business, and children’s literature.
The event features 325 book stalls under one roof, with 40 foreign exhibitors from 17 countries participating, offering books on virtually every subject imaginable. Schools arrived with students in the morning, families turned up in the afternoon, and by evening, large numbers of young people and groups of friends filled the venue.
Despite the digital and AI-driven era, readers of all ages were seen enthusiastically browsing and purchasing their favourite titles. Visitors said the importance of books remains undiminished, even in an age dominated by technology. Many stalls offered discounts ranging from 40 to 50 per cent on children’s books, novels, fiction, textbooks, academic, literary and Islamic books, attracting steady crowds throughout the day.
The three halls, decorated in white, blue, orange and other vibrant colours, were fully packed on the opening day. Over 140 leading Pakistani publishers and booksellers, along with international exhibitors, showcased bestsellers, youth fiction, romance, crime and suspense, science, business, architecture, design, literature, Islamic studies, children’s stories and educational books. In the morning hours, school administrations accompanied students to the fair, where children were seen keenly exploring educational and reading material. Teachers guided students about the importance of reading and helped them select books. In the afternoon, families arrived in large numbers, while the evening saw a notable rise in young visitors, colleagues and friend groups. Many people not only browsed through books but also made purchases at discounted prices.
Elderly visitors said they wait all year for the book fair to buy quality books at affordable rates. Young readers, particularly students, showed a strong preference for novels, fiction, romance and bestselling titles, while Islamic book stalls and children’s sections also remained crowded.
