18/09/2026
Press Release — Pakistan Pavilion, Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026
Strengthening Literary Diplomacy: Pakistan Pavilion Delegation Meets Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE
Abu Dhabi, UAE — 18 September 2026:
The delegation of the Pakistan Pavilion at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026 held a significant meeting with H.E. Shafqat Ali Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United Arab Emirates, to discuss Pakistan’s literary representation, cultural outreach, and future collaborative initiatives between the Embassy, the National Book Foundation (NBF), and Book Corner Jhelum.
The delegation included:
• Murad Ali Mohmand — Director Headquarters, National Book Foundation (NBF)
• Amar Shahid — Director, Book Corner Jhelum
• Sarmad Khan — CEO, Urdu World Books and principal organiser of the Pakistan Pavilion
🇵🇰 Ambassador’s Appreciation for Pakistan Pavilion
Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan warmly appreciated the efforts of NBF, Book Corner Jhelum, and Urdu World Books in presenting Pakistan’s literary heritage at the fair. He noted the strong public response, with hundreds of visitors purchasing Urdu literature, children’s books, cultural titles, and translations.
He praised the Pavilion as a vibrant representation of Pakistan’s cultural identity, highlighting its role in showcasing Urdu literature, Pakistan’s publishing strength, and the country’s intellectual diversity to international audiences.
📘 In‑Depth Discussion on Books & Literary Themes
A detailed conversation took place regarding the books displayed at the Pavilion, focusing on their themes, relevance, and cultural value. Key points included:
• Growing demand for Urdu fiction, poetry, and contemporary literature among expatriates.
• Increasing interest in Arabic and English translations of Pakistani works.
• The importance of children’s literature in preserving cultural identity among second‑generation Pakistani families.
• Strong appeal of books on Pakistan’s history, heritage, and tourism, which help strengthen Pakistan’s soft image in the region.
• The need for curated collections that present Pakistan’s civilizational depth to Arab readers.
The Ambassador expressed admiration for the quality of the books and encouraged further expansion of Pakistan-focused literature in the UAE.
📚 Ambassador Proposes Arabic Coffee Table Book
Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan proposed the creation of a prestigious Arabic-language coffee table book, jointly developed by:
• Embassy of Pakistan, Abu Dhabi
• National Book Foundation (NBF)
• Book Corner Jhelum
The publication will feature:
• Pakistan’s cultural heritage
• Historical landmarks
• Tourism destinations
• Civilizational contributions
• Artistic traditions
• Contemporary literary achievements
This collaborative project aims to serve as a signature cultural document for Arab readers, UAE institutions, and international visitors.
🏛️ Proposal for NBF Book Corner at Pakistan Embassy
Director NBF Murad Ali Mohmand proposed establishing a dedicated NBF Book Corner at the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi. The initiative aims to provide Urdu literature and Pakistan-focused publications to the approximately 700 Pakistanis who visit the embassy daily for consular services.
The Book Corner will:
• Offer free access to Urdu and Pakistan Studies books
• Support community learning and cultural enrichment
• Serve as a permanent literary presence of NBF in the UAE
• Strengthen Pakistan’s cultural diplomacy through sustained engagement
The delegation also visited the proposed venue inside the Embassy and discussed operational modalities with embassy officials.
🎁 Presentation of Books to the Ambassador
At the conclusion of the meeting, Murad Ali Mohmand and Amar Shahid presented selected NBF and Book Corner publications to Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan. The books reflected Pakistan’s literary richness, including titles on culture, heritage, children’s literature, and contemporary Urdu writing.
Sarmad Khan, CEO Urdu World Books, expressed gratitude to the Ambassador for his time, guidance, and continued support for Pakistan’s literary and cultural initiatives in the UAE.
🇵🇰 National Book Foundation
Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training
Government of Pakistan
Books for Knowledge — Culture — Progress
