Price Hike In Books Dents Publishing Business; Reduce Reading Trend

The rising prices of books was causing dent to the business of book publishers as well as number of reader was also shrinking being converted towards E-books reading and internet surfing.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Sep, 2018 ) :The rising prices of books was causing dent to the business of book publishers as well as number of reader was also shrinking being converted towards E-books reading and internet surfing.

Book publishers and readers urged the sitting government to formulate a proper policy under which the prices of the books could be reduced.

A gold medalist and writer of bestseller book "Sacred thirsts, Secular Hungers" based on his Umrah Poems Ejaz Rahim admitted the fact that imported quality paper was a major reason behind the high rate of books.

He also disclosed that big Names have to maintain their international standard so they pay taxes on purchasing of imported paper, whereas some local book industries use substandard material while compiling books that is why their prices are comparatively low.

As compared to neighboring countries, Pakistani publishers made it difficult for a common man to read books, he said adding; they had also affected the book reading trend.

He suggested the government to establish a joint committee to oversee the matter so that the books on religion, culture, sciences & technology, anthropology and art could be in reach of everyone.

He further underlined the need for setting up a policy for the writers' encouragement and provides them benefit as well.

Zahra Akmal a Public Relation Officer of one of the leading publishers of the country stated that "we are compelled to keep prices high as we do not compromise on standard. We consume imported paper though we have to pay high taxes on it." Before publishing any book we keep a backup plan to stay away from absolute loss, she revealed.

Unfortunately, we see the billboards and advertisements on promoting films, cosmetic products and music concerts but never observe any promotional activity, Hassan Abbas Raza a renowned writer lamented.

High costs of books not only discourage readers from buying original books but also promote pirated books' industry which damages writer and reader both simultaneously, he shared.