KARACHI: Few visit DCL book fair

Published January 13, 2007

KARACHI, Jan 12: Defence Central Library organised a three-day book exhibition on the occasion of its 15th anniversary. The exhibition, held on the premises of DCL, was inaugurated by the Administrator Defence Housing Authority Karachi, Brigadier Kamran Aziz Qazi. Oddly enough, the organisers were nowhere to be seen as soon as the administer DHA left.

There were only 15 stalls in the exhibition that awaited book-lovers to visit them as the number of people present there could easily be counted on fingers. The collection of the books on display was nothing much to write about. However, there were two stalls boasting impressive literature and general knowledge books for children. The worst thing about it was that the books for youngsters were the most expansive ones of all. That could be observed by the fact that a 65-page Science book, neatly placed on one of the stalls, had a price tag of Rs445 on it.

Though the DCL’s aim to hold the exhibition, “attract readership in society”, was no doubt noble, it seemed that the Internet-savvy generation would pay little attention to it.