KARACHI, April 1: A three-day book fair began at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology here on Tuesday in which about 20 publishers and wholesalers have set up stalls.

Books on different topics, mostly in Urdu, are available on discount and students are showing interest in history and poetry collections. The exhibition has been organized by the Study Aid Project of the Islami Jamiat Talaba.

Justice Saeeduzzaman, who presided over the inaugural session, lauded the efforts of IJT and said in a situation when the tradition of publishing and preserving books of quality and of reliable contents was diminishing, the exhibition was a commendable job.

Dr Pirzada Qasim, vice chancellor of the FUUAST, said that student bodies should organize debate and discussion on the different themes, including illiteracy and poverty.

Among others, Dean faculty of Science, Prof Hafeezur Rehman, students adviser, Viqarul Haq, Nazim of IJT FUUAST Abdul Wahid and Malik Naseer Awan also spoke.

The organisers will also hold a Mushaira on April 2 as a part of the exhibition.

During his visit to the exhibition, MNA Mohammad Hussain Mehnati addressed the students and said that the university could play a vital role in the promotion of urdu as a national language.