On the opening day of the five-day Karachi World Book Fair at Expo Center, hundreds of young people were seen happily browsing books and enjoying the event.

The event, was organized by the Pakistan Publishers and Booksellers Association (PPBA), was formally opened in Hall No. 4, where some provocative statements were given.

Publishers from atleast 17 countries, including 140 from Pakistan, have set up 329 stalls for the show.

Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah, who was the keynote guest, stated that although he attends numerous events, attending a book fair brings him the most joy. "A book is essential to the development of human society."

Speaking about the world's first published book, the minister proceeded down the historical route. He went on to thank Germany for developing the printing machine and China for providing us with paper. "A book is a man's greatest leader as well as his best friend."

We can't let books die," he continued. Our dreams, books, and ourselves will all perish.

In addition to seriously harming the book publishing industry, he claimed that unfair levies on paper are also having a quick impact on society's reading culture.

As stated by Sardar Shah, the Sindh government has implemented programs to encourage reading in schools, and book corners will be set up in all of Sindh's schools to assisin keepingep kids engaged with literature.

Shah gave the organizers the assurance that, with the full support of the Sindh government, international book fairs would be held in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and Mirpurkhas following Karachi.

Ahmed Shahpresidentnt of the Arts Council, gave the keynote lecture. He began by saying that he was pleased to see so many students visiting the fair. He gave the organizers the assurance that the Arts Council will back their efforts because they are doing a good job.

Murad Ali, the secretary of the National Book Foundation, and KWBF convener Waqar Mateen both gave speeches during the event.

The five-day book fair will run every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. until December 22.