Key Takeaways
- Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab inaugurated a book fair at Empress Market.
- The nearly 150-year-old heritage site was restored after removing encroachments.
- The event aims to promote reading and support local publishers.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab inaugurated a book fair at Empress Market on Saturday, turning a once-encroached public space into a venue for books, cultural events, and community activities.
The nearly 150-year-old heritage site, Empress Market, was restored after the removal of encroachments, and is now being used as a cultural centre and public space.
Wahab encouraged citizens to visit Empress Market, buy books, and support local publishers, stating that books are an important source of knowledge, awareness, and positive thinking.
The mayor visited the bookstalls and bought several books himself, emphasizing the importance of promoting reading among young people.
Pakistan Peoples Party parliamentary leader in the City Council, Karamullah Waqasi, council members, elected representatives, and municipal officials attended the event.
Wahab said the restoration of Empress Market was part of efforts by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation to preserve the city’s historic buildings while giving them practical public uses.
The market had previously become difficult to access due to encroachments, particularly for children, young people, and senior citizens.
Wahab stated, 'We have decided that Empress Market should not remain only a historic building. It should also become a cultural centre and a public space.'
A Bohra food festival was recently held at the venue, and more cultural events are planned, including a Qawwali programme scheduled for Sunday at Burns Garden.
Citizens should visit Empress Market, buy books and support local publishers.
Murtaza Wahab, Karachi Mayor
We have decided that Empress Market should not remain only a historic building. It should also become a cultural centre and a public space.
Murtaza Wahab, Karachi Mayor
