LAHORE: (Friday, April 3, 2015): Over 45 thousand books were sold on the first day of Pakistan’s largest book fair being organized Punjab University administration at New Campus. On the second day, a large number of journalists including Ata ur Rehman, Dr Ajmal Niazi, Najam Wali Khan, Mian Habbibullah, Afzal Rehan, writers, doctors, lawyers, engineers, students and people from other walks of life visited the book fair. On the occasion, a large number of children, senior citizens and special persons were also seen visiting stalls and all the participants were found taking maximum benefit of maximum concessions on the books.

Talking to media while visiting the book fair, senior journalist Ata ur Rehman said that PU book fair had become an important national event for promoting academic culture in the country. He said that it was general impression that reading habits had been reduced in this age of IT but he was glad to see sea of people and young students purchasing books at the book fair and the credit went to PU VC Dr Mujahid Kamran. Renowned columnist Dr Ajmal Niazi said that the book fair was a proof that there was a strong connection between books and young people. He said that people still loved books and that’s why they were taking great interest in the book fair. He said that books were like houses and we must live in this house. Senior journalist Najam Wali Khan said that through the courtesy of the book fair, the relationship between the books and people would grow stronger. He termed provision of books on highly discounted rate a Jihad. He said that sale of books in such a big number was “change” which would bring nation forward. Senior journalist Mian Habbibullah said that the society could not prosper without knowledge. He said that Allah gave His message through 4 Holy Books. He said that the first Aya’h stressed to read.

He lauded PU VC Dr Mujahid Kamran for making efforts in order to promote reading habits in society. Senior columnist Afzal Rehan said that books were the source of spreading light in the world. He said that he was pleased enthusiasm of a large number of young students in the book fair. He said that it was commendable that PU now had a pure academic environment. The participants of the book fair said that they were thankful to PU administration for providing all varieties of books on reasonable prices which would help promote study culture in society.

They said that such activities must be organized continuously in all the universities so that people could purchase maximum books on reduced rates. The book fair will continue on Saturday till 8pm. As per tradition, a large number of families also throng book fair on the third day. Meanwhile PU Oriental College’s faculty members in connection with book fair organized a Mehfil-e- Mushaira at Undergraduate Study Centre’s Al-Raazi Hall. PU VC Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran, Renowned Columnist Dr Ajmal Niazi, Dean Faculty of Law Prof Dr Shazia Naureen Qureshi, Principal Oriental College Dr Ismattullah Zahid, Dr Syed Muhammad Akram, faculty members and a large number of students attended the ceremony. Renowned poets presented their poetry with reference to books.