05 July 2004	Monday	16 Jamadi-ul-Awwal 1425

KARACHI, July 4: Closure of 'Book Bazaar,' used to be held at the Frere Hall, has not only deprived book lovers of their favourite shopping place but it has also made it difficult for people to buy books of their choice at high prices being charged in the book markets.

In view of the diminishing love of books among people and soaring book prices, which often go beyond the buying capacity of common man, the Book Bazaar was launched on Feb 25, 2001, at the Frere Hall.

The idea became so popular that booksellers would set up over 60 stalls at the bazaar to cater to the reading needs of a large number of visitors, reaching up to 5,000 according to some estimates, every Sunday.

However, on the directive of the then KMC administrator, the Book Bazar was shifted to the Polo Ground Baradari in May 2001, where it did not prove to be successful because of various reasons, including non-availability of drinking water, toilets and public transport facilities.

On the request of the booksellers, the bazar was again shifted to the Frere Hall's parking area in October 2002 with over 50 stalls visited by a large number of book readers, coming from various parts of the city.

However, on June 14, 2002, the bazar was closed down after a bomb blast outside the US Consulate, which resulted in closure of entry points to the Frere Hall. On Oct 20, 2002, the bazar was restarted on the orders of City Nazim Naimatullah Khan and it continued up to July 17, 2003, when it was suspended for two consecutive Sundays.

The nazim again issued orders to reopen the bazar on Sept 7, 2003, and the bazar continued to be held up to May 23, 2004. However, after a bomb blast outside the Pak-American Culture Centre on May 26, 2004, police once again closed all entry points to the Frere Hall, where the Book Bazar was last held on May 23, and has been closed since then.

The city government has neither taken any steps to reopen the bazaar at the Frere Hall nor it has made any alternative arrangements for the purpose. -APP