Pakistan Pavilion inaugurated at Sharjah International Book Fair

visitors gather at the Pakistan pavilion at the at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair in UAE, on November 11, 2025. (APP)
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Updated 11 November 2025
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Pakistan Pavilion inaugurated at Sharjah International Book Fair

  • Pavilion features Pakistani publishers showcasing literary and cultural heritage
  • Consul General urges community and visitors to support Pakistan’s publishing industry

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan inaugurated its national pavilion at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair on Tuesday, marking the country’s participation in one of the world’s largest literary exhibitions as it seeks to highlight its publishing heritage, cultural traditions, and contemporary creative output.

The Sharjah International Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in the Middle East and Asia, drawing hundreds of publishers, writers, scholars, students, and cultural organizations from across the region and beyond. Pakistan’s participation is seen as part of its efforts to strengthen cultural diplomacy and expand the international visibility of its literary and publishing sectors.

The Pakistan pavilion, located in Hall 6 – Stand N1 at the Sharjah Expo Center, features several well-known Pakistani publishing houses, including Qudrat Ullah Publications (noted for its printed editions of the Qur’an), Zia-ul-Qur’an Publications, and Paramount Books.

Inaugurating the pavilion, Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, welcomed the participation of Pakistani publishers and exhibitors.

“Such platforms provide an excellent opportunity to highlight the diverse literary traditions, cultural richness, and creative potential of Pakistan,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by the Pakistan Press Information Department. 

The Consul General also conveyed appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, noting his “visionary efforts in promoting art, culture, literature, and academic excellence” in the emirate and internationally.

During his visit, the Consul General toured several official pavilions, including those representing Saudi Arabia, Oman, Sharjah Government institutions, and Abu Dhabi.

He also commended Sarmad Khan of Urdu World Books for establishing a dedicated stall promoting Pakistani literature, and encouraged the Pakistani community in the UAE, visitors, and students to attend and engage with the pavilion’s offerings.

The book fair will continue at the Sharjah Expo Center through the coming week.


Pakistan Navy seizes $3 million of narcotics in Arabian Sea under regional security patrol

Updated 07 December 2025
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Pakistan Navy seizes $3 million of narcotics in Arabian Sea under regional security patrol

  • Official statement says the haul was made during an anti-narcotics operation conducted by PNS Yamama
  • Seizure comes after a record haul of nearly $972 million was reported in the North Arabian Sea in October

KARACHI: Pakistan Navy said on Sunday a patrol vessel operating in the Arabian Sea had seized 1,500 kg of narcotics, the latest interdiction under a regional maritime security deployment aimed at curbing illicit activity along key shipping routes.

The operation took place under the Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP), a Pakistan-led initiative that deploys naval assets across the Arabian Sea and adjoining waters to deter smuggling, piracy and other non-traditional security threats.

The framework combines independent patrols with coordination involving regional and international partners.

“Pakistan Navy Ship Yamama, while deployed on Regional Maritime Security Patrol in the Arabian Sea, successfully conducted an anti-narcotics operation, leading to the seizure of 1,500 kilograms of hashish valued at approximately 3 million US dollars,” the Navy said.

The interdiction, it added, underscored the force’s “unwavering commitment to combating illicit activities and ensuring security in the maritime domain.”

Pakistan Navy said it routinely undertakes RMSP missions to safeguard national maritime interests through “robust vigilance and effective presence at sea,” and continues to play a proactive role in collaborative maritime-security efforts with other regional navies.

The seizure comes amid heightened counter-narcotics activity at sea.

In October, a Pakistani vessel seized a haul worth nearly $972 million in what authorities described as one of the largest drug seizures ever reported in the North Arabian Sea.

Last month, Pakistan Navy units operating under a Saudi Arabia-led multinational task force seized about 2,000 kg of methamphetamine, valued at roughly $130 million, highlighting the role of regional cooperation in disrupting trafficking networks.