ISLAMABAD: A delegation representing the Pakistan Pavilion at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026 met Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Shafqat Ali Khan, and discussed the promotion of Pakistani literature, cultural outreach and future cooperation in the UAE.
The delegation included Murad Ali Mohmand, Director Headquarters of the National Book Foundation (NBF), Amar Shahid, Director of Book Corner Jhelum, and Sarmad Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Urdu World Books and principal organiser of the Pakistan Pavilion.
During the meeting, Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan appreciated the efforts of the NBF, Book Corner Jhelum and Urdu World Books in presenting Pakistan’s literary, cultural and intellectual heritage at the international book fair. He also noted the interest of visitors in Pakistani publications, particularly Urdu literature, children’s books, cultural works and translated publications.
The participants discussed the literary and cultural significance of the books displayed at the Pakistan Pavilion and their relevance to Pakistani and Arab readers. The discussion also covered the growing need for Arabic and English translations of Pakistani literature, the interest of the Pakistani diaspora in Urdu fiction and poetry, and the role of children’s literature in maintaining cultural links among younger generations.
The meeting also focused on publications highlighting Pakistan’s history, heritage, tourism, culture and civilisational contributions. The ambassador stressed the importance of presenting Pakistan’s cultural diversity and heritage to Arab readers through carefully selected and high-quality publications.
Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan proposed the preparation of an Arabic-language coffee-table book covering Pakistan’s cultural heritage, historical legacy, major tourist destinations, fine arts and contemporary literary activities.
The proposed publication would be developed through cooperation between the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, the National Book Foundation and Book Corner Jhelum. It would aim to provide Arab readers, UAE institutions and international visitors with a broader introduction to Pakistan’s cultural and civilisational heritage.
Murad Ali Mohmand also proposed establishing an NBF Book Corner at the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. The proposed facility would provide access to Urdu literature, Pakistan Studies and books covering Pakistan’s history and culture for Pakistani citizens and other visitors.
The delegation visited the proposed location for the Book Corner at the embassy and discussed its administrative and operational arrangements with relevant officials.
At the conclusion of the meeting, selected publications from the National Book Foundation and Book Corner Jhelum were presented to Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan. The books included works covering 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 UAE.
The meeting highlighted continued efforts to strengthen literary and cultural links between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates through books, literature, translation and cultural exchange.
We welcome your contributions to The Pakistan Observer. Submit your blogs, opinion pieces, press releases and news features to our editorial team.
Please send your submissions to our News Desk or Editorial team. We look forward to hearing from writers, journalists and contributors.
