What happened: While speaking at the commencement of the 16th Karachi International Book Fair, Sindh Education Minister, Syed Sardar Ali Shah announced that he will be submitting a letter to the federal government seeking a tax exemption on paper in order to promote education. Details: Syed Sardar Ali Shah said that paper taxes at federal and provincial levels should be abolished, “If not abolished, they should at least be lowered to make books and education more accessible to the general public.” He also stated that he would introduce a motion in the Sindh assembly to eliminate the paper tax. The International Book Fair Chairman, Aziz Khalid shared that standard books have become out of reach for the middle-income group due to increased taxes on imported paper, “Education should not be taxed,” he added. What else: Internationally famous book publishers from Iran, Turkey, Singapore, China, the United Kingdom set up 330 stalls of textbooks and non-textbooks. Renowned writer, Anwar Maqsood also graced the ceremony with his presence.