The five-day Karachi World Book Fair 2025, organised by the Pakistan Publishers and Booksellers Association (PPBA), is set to commence on Thursday, December 18, at the Karachi Expo Centre, carrying forward its longstanding tradition of promoting literature, knowledge, and the love of books.
The fair is expected to emerge as a major hub for intellectual exchange and research, not only in Pakistan but across the region. The event will feature participation from 140 prominent Pakistani publishers and booksellers, alongside 40 international exhibitors from 17 countries, who will showcase a diverse range of literary, academic, and research works to book enthusiasts. The fair will be inaugurated by Sindh Minister for Education Syed Sardar Ali Shah, highlighting the event’s significance at both academic and governmental levels.
The Karachi World Book Fair will run daily from 10am to 9pm across Halls 1, 2, and 3 of the Expo Centre. This year, over 325 stalls have been set up, and organisers anticipate the participation of more than 500,000 book lovers throughout the five-day event.
Speaking at a press conference held at a hotel on Monday, Karachi World Book Fair Convener Waqar Mateen Khan, along with PPBA Chairman Kamran Noorani, stated that the participation of publishers from countries including Turkey, Singapore, China, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates has established the fair as Pakistan’s largest and most prestigious literary event. Khan noted that the fair not only showcases books but also serves as an effective platform for global cultural and intellectual dialogue.
He added that the fair brings together national and international publishers, booksellers, librarians, and institutional buyers under one roof, allowing readers direct access to high-quality and rare books while giving authors the opportunity to meet publishers and present their works.
PPBA Chairman Kamran Noorani described this year’s fair as unique and memorable, with a special focus on professional collaboration and experience exchange with international book fairs. He highlighted that the event will feature book launches by prominent authors, literary sessions, and panel discussions, providing a comprehensive literary experience for attendees.
