ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s literary and publishing representation was prominently showcased at the Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA) ceremony held in Abu Dhabi.
A Pakistani delegation comprising Murad Ali Mohmand, Director Headquarters, National Book Foundation (NBF); Amar Shahid, Director, Book Corner Pakistan; and Sarmad Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Urdu World Book, attended the prestigious award ceremony.
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award is regarded as one of the major literary and cultural events in the Arab world, recognising distinguished creative and scholarly contributions in various fields, including writing, publishing, translation, research, and intellectual and academic work, said a message received here on Thursday.
The participation of the Pakistani delegation highlighted the country’s literary, publishing and book culture on the international literary landscape.
Following the ceremony, the Pakistani delegation held a meeting with senior officials of the Frankfurt Book Fair, including Claudia Kaiser, Vice President, Business Development, and Jürgen Boos, President and Chief Executive Officer.
The meeting focused on Pakistan’s participation in future editions of the Frankfurt Book Fair, representation of Pakistani books and publishing institutions, and the proposed establishment of a Pakistan Pavilion.
The meeting also discussed the potential for strengthening Pakistan’s organised presence at international book fairs to introduce Urdu and regional-language literature, Pakistani authors, translators and publishers to the international literary community, while creating new avenues for cooperation in publishing and literary exchange.
National Book Foundation, Book Corner Pakistan and Urdu World Book reaffirmed their commitment to promoting Pakistan’s literary and cultural identity at international literary and publishing platforms and developing strategic partnerships with international institutions.
