Pioneer book house moves after 80 years in Karachi

One of Karachi’s oldest and most loved bookshops, Pioneer Book House, is being forced to relocate after almost 80 years at its historic Saddar location.

The move comes after the building’s new owner, a private developer, asked the tenants to vacate, bringing an end to a key piece of the city’s cultural history. Author Maniza Naqvi, who helped revive the bookstore in recent years, confirmed the news through a social media post. The shop had been operating under the traditional pagri system — a rent-control setup offering long-term occupancy. However, with commercial development rising across Karachi, the bookstore was unable to retain its spot despite legal efforts.

Over the past nine years, Pioneer Book House had become more than just a bookstore. It hosted art shows, featured in the Karachi Biennale, and welcomed visitors on heritage tours. The Ooppervallee Gallery, part of the shop, showcased the work of notable artists like A.R. Nagori and Akhtar Soomro, making it a vibrant cultural corner of the city. Although the developer has given a polite notice and not forcefully evicted them like others in the same building, the bookstore is now packing up. To manage the cost of the move, caretakers are selling off some artwork and books.

Despite the shift in location, the spirit of Pioneer Book House stays alive. Longtime supporters say its true value lies not in the building but in the people and ideas it brings together. As the store prepares for its next chapter, many hope it will continue to inspire future generations in its new home.