Pakistan Pavilion team discusses literary outreach with envoy in UAE
ISLAMABAD, Sept 18: A delegation of the Pakistan Pavilion at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026 held an important 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 areas of cooperation.
The delegation included 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 showcasing Pakistani literature, culture and intellectual heritage at the Pakistan Pavilion. He also noted the interest shown by visitors and readers in Pakistani publications, especially Urdu literature, children’s books, cultural subjects and translated works.
During the meeting, the delegation and the Ambassador reviewed the themes, literary and cultural importance, and relevance of the books displayed at the Pakistan Pavilion for Pakistani as well as Arab readers. Discussion focused on the interest of the Pakistani diaspora in Urdu fiction, poetry and contemporary literature, the growing requirement 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 books on Pakistan’s history, heritage, culture and tourism.
The Ambassador underlined the need to present Pakistan’s cultural diversity and civilisational heritage to Arab readers through carefully selected and high-quality publications. He praised the standard of publications displayed at the Pakistan Pavilion and encouraged further expansion of literary and cultural content about Pakistan in the UAE.
He also proposed the preparation of a high-quality Arabic-language coffee-table book on Pakistan’s cultural heritage, historical legacy, major tourist destinations, civilisational contributions, fine arts and contemporary literary activities. The proposed publication would be developed through collaboration among the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, the National Book Foundation and Book Corner Jhelum. Its purpose would be to provide Arab readers, UAE institutions and international visitors with a comprehensive cultural and civilisational introduction to Pakistan.
Murad Ali Mohmand proposed the establishment of an NBF Book Corner at the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. The proposed Book Corner would offer Pakistani citizens and other readers visiting the Embassy access to Urdu literature, Pakistan Studies and books on Pakistan’s history and culture. It would also help promote a sustained reading culture and create a permanent literary presence.
The delegation visited the proposed site for the Book Corner at the Embassy and discussed its administrative and operational modalities with the 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 works on Pakistan’s culture, heritage and civilisation, children’s literature and contemporary Urdu literature.
Sarmad Khan 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 continue joint initiatives aimed at further strengthening cultural and literary ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates through books, literature and cultural exchange.
