ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the Pakistan Pavilion at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026 held a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Shafqat Ali Khan, to discuss Pakistan’s literary and cultural representation, promotion of books, cultural linkages and future collaborative initiatives.
The delegation comprised Murad Ali Mohmand, Director Headquarters, National Book Foundation (NBF); Amar Shahid, Director, Book Corner Jhelum; and Sarmad Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Urdu World Books and Principal Organiser of the Pakistan Pavilion.
Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan appreciated the efforts of the National Book Foundation, Book Corner Jhelum and Urdu World Books for presenting Pakistani literature, culture and intellectual heritage at the Pakistan Pavilion. He also noted the interest shown by visitors and readers in Pakistani publications, particularly Urdu literature, children’s books, cultural subjects and translated works.
During the meeting, the delegation and the Ambassador discussed the themes, literary and cultural significance, and relevance of the books displayed at the Pakistan Pavilion for Pakistani and Arab readers. Special attention was given to the interest of the Pakistani diaspora in Urdu fiction, poetry and contemporary literature.
The participants also discussed the growing need for Arabic and English translations of Pakistani literature, the role of children’s literature in connecting younger generations with their cultural identity, and the promotion of publications on Pakistan’s history, heritage, culture and tourism.
Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan stressed the importance of presenting Pakistan’s cultural diversity and civilisational heritage to Arab readers through carefully selected and high-quality publications. He appreciated the standard of publications displayed at the Pakistan Pavilion and encouraged further expansion of literary and cultural content about Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
The Ambassador also proposed the preparation of a high-quality Arabic-language coffee-table book on Pakistan’s cultural heritage, historical legacy, important tourist destinations, civilisational contributions, fine arts and contemporary literary activities.
According to the proposal, the publication would be developed through collaboration among the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, the National Book Foundation and Book Corner Jhelum. The aim would be to present a comprehensive cultural and civilisational introduction to Pakistan for Arab readers, UAE institutions and international visitors.
Murad Ali Mohmand proposed the establishment of an NBF Book Corner at the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. The proposed Book Corner would provide Pakistani citizens and other readers visiting the Embassy with access to Urdu literature, Pakistan Studies and books related to Pakistan’s history and culture.
The proposed initiative would also promote a sustained reading culture and create a permanent literary presence at the Embassy. The delegation visited the proposed location for the Book Corner at the Embassy and discussed its administrative and operational modalities with relevant officials.
At the conclusion of the meeting, selected publications of the National Book Foundation and Book Corner Jhelum were presented to Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan. The books included publications on Pakistan’s culture, heritage and civilisation, children’s literature and contemporary Urdu literature.
Sarmad Khan, CEO of Urdu World Books, thanked the Ambassador for his time, guidance and support for Pakistan’s literary and cultural activities in the United Arab Emirates.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to continuing joint initiatives aimed at further strengthening cultural and literary ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates through books, literature and cultural exchange.
