Mayor opens book fair at Empress Market

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab officially opened a book fair at Empress Market on Saturday, transforming a previously encroached public space into a venue for books, cultural events, and community activities. The nearly 150-year-old heritage site, after the removal of encroachments, will now serve as a cultural center and public space.

Wahab emphasized the importance of visiting Empress Market to buy books and support local publishers, stating that books are a vital source of knowledge, awareness, and positive thinking. He visited the bookstalls, purchasing several books himself.

The restorative efforts are part of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation's initiative to preserve the city's historic buildings while providing practical public uses. The market had become difficult to access for children, young people, and senior citizens due to encroachments. Wahab clarified that the market should not remain merely a historic building but also become a cultural center and public space.

A Bohra food festival was recently held at the venue, with more cultural events planned. A Qawwali program was scheduled for Sunday at Burns Garden. In response to former Mayor Syed Mustafa Kamal's remarks about spending during his tenure, Wahab disputed claims of Rs300 billion being spent, urging for official records to back such political claims. He criticized inconsistencies in development project claims and called for political debates based on facts rather than allegations.

Wahab criticized double standards in political criticism of the Sindh and Punjab governments regarding rainfall and urban issues, advocating for positive politics and constructive thinking. He urged Karachi to embrace constructive thinking instead of confrontation and fear. Regarding the debate over new provinces and administrative units, Wahab argued that changing boundaries alone would not solve governance issues unless accompanied by a shift in political mindset.

He stressed that effective governance, constructive politics, and practical solutions were essential for addressing Sindh's challenges, including Karachi's.