LAHORE: (Sunday, October 18, 2026): The largest book fair in Pakistan, organized by Punjab University has set a new record, with final figures confirming the sale of more than 230,000 books. In his statement on the occasion, Vice Chancellor of the University of the Punjab, Dr. Muhammad Ali, said that the sale of such a large number of books was proof of people's love for reading. He stated that in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), making books available at affordable prices would help promote reading habits. “Books are a source of knowledge, and their importance can never diminish,” he said. He further emphasized that such activities are essential for promoting a book-reading culture. Making books available at reasonable prices would help strengthen the relationship between young people and books. Dr. Muhammad Ali added that people from different walks of life and various parts of Pakistan participated in the book fair, while young people and children showed great enthusiasm in purchasing books. This year's Punjab University Book Fair also featured a vibrant literary festival. The festival included book-launching ceremonies for works by renowned Pakistani authors and a poetry recital. In addition, students of Punjab University were given an opportunity to present their creative works and business ideas.