This was disclosed by PPBA Chairman Aziz Khalid and Convenor of Karachi International Book Fair Owais Mirza Jamil, while speaking at a press conference here at a hotel on Tuesday. Aziz Khalid said the five-day book fair would be inaugurated by Guest of Honour Federal Minister & Ministry of Overseas Dr Farooq Sattar and Chief Guest Provincial Education Minister Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq at 11am on December 6.
He said this year the event would bring 180 publishing and distribution houses together with domestic and international publishers, booksellers, librarians and institutional customers. Thousands of wide varieties of books would be displayed at 300 stalls, he said, adding that National Book Foundation, Ministry of Education, Government of Sindh extended its full support in making the event a great success and dedicate to promote literacy in the country.
"We have tried to make the sixth KIBF full of opportunities for literary circles, book lovers and a common man to have access over the wide varieties of books, published nationally and internationally," he said. KIBF Convenor Owais Mirza Jamil said the prime objective of this book fair 2012 was to promote the book culture in the country, especially in Karachi.
"Around 300,000 people are expected to attend the 8th KIBF", he informed, adding that the event would be visited by books lovers, students from all groups of ages, professionals from all walks of life, academicians, writers, librarians and general public. He said various book launching and book release ceremonies would also be held for notable writers during the book fair besides entertaining various contests like drawing, recitation, extempore speech, and quiz for kids.
Owais Mirza said "the book fair is also a platform for international book publishers to meet with Pakistan's industry specialists and explore business opportunities in this highly potential market." "The eighth KIBF will continue till December 10 and entry for all visitors is free," he concluded.