Five-day literary festival offers 325 stalls, exhibitors from 17 countries and a large public attendance
Women throng the fair, eagerly flipping through novels, fiction and bestsellers. From browsing to buying, the fair gave them a place to celebrate their love of books. Photo: Jalal Qureshi/Express
KARACHI:
The Karachi World Book Fair 2025 got off to a spirited start at the Expo Center on Friday, turning the venue into a bustling hub of literary excitement. Book enthusiasts of all ages thronged the fair from the first hours, eager to explore 325 stalls filled with titles from fiction and romance to science, business and children’s literature.
The event offers 325 book stalls under one roof, where 40 foreign exhibitors from 17 countries participate, and who offer books on virtually every imaginable subject. Schools arrived with students in the morning, families turned up in the afternoon, and in the evening a large number of young people and groups of friends filled the room.
Despite the digital and AI-driven era, readers of all ages were seen enthusiastically browsing and buying their favorite titles. Visitors said that the importance of books remains undiminished, even in an age dominated by technology. Many stalls offered discounts of between 40 and 50 percent on children’s books, novels, fiction, textbooks, academic, literary and Islamic books, attracting constant crowds throughout the day.
The three halls, decorated in white, blue, orange and other vibrant colors, were jam-packed on the opening day. Over 140 leading Pakistani publishers and booksellers along with international exhibitors showcased bestsellers, Juvenile Fiction, Romance, Crime & Thriller, Science, Business, Architecture, Design, Literature, Islamic Studies, Children’s Stories and Educational Books. In the morning hours, the school management accompanied the students to the fair, where children were seen eagerly exploring teaching and reading material. The teachers guided the students on the importance of reading and helped them choose books. In the afternoon, families arrived in large numbers, while the evening saw a significant increase in young visitors, colleagues and groups of friends. Many people not only browsed books but also bought at discounted prices.
Elderly 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 bestselling titles, while Islamic bookstores and children’s sections also remained crowded.
