LAHORE: (Saturday, October 17, 2026): Thousands of people purchased more than 200,000 books at Pakistan’s largest three-day book fair, organized by Punjab University, setting a new record in the event’s history. More than 45,000 books were sold on the first day, 65,000 on the second day, and over 90,000 on the third day. The counting of books was still underway at the time of filing this report. The three-day book fair attracted members of the public from across Pakistan. Large numbers of students and teachers from various universities, schools, and colleges also attended the event, along with politicians, civil servants, lawyers, poets, writers, families, and persons with disabilities. Visitors praised the university administration for organizing an impressive book fair at PU.

During his visit to various stalls on the third day, PU VC Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali said that the objective of the three-day book fair, the largest of its kind in Pakistan, was to promote a love of books among the younger generation. He said that books are the best source of acquiring knowledge and play an important role in promoting goodness in society. He added that other universities should also take initiatives to promote such activities. He said that faculty members, students, and university employees deserved congratulations for organizing the three-day book fair, literary festival, book launch ceremonies, and poetry recitals. He also appreciated the efforts of the organizers in ensuring the successful and peaceful conduct of the event. As part of the book fair, a book launch ceremony of former IG Zulfiqar Ahmad Cheema was held at Waheed Shaheed Hall of PU’s Institute of Education and Research.

The books launched were ‘Jihad-e-Musalsal’, ‘Afkar-e-Taza’ and ‘Samajhta Hoon Jise Haq’. The ceremony was attended by PU VC Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Mahmood Saleem, Zulfiqar Ahmad Cheema, Dr. Baseera Ambreen, Shamail Ahmad Khawaja, Director IER Prof Dr. Abdul Qayyum Chaudhry, faculty members, civil servants, and students. Addressing the gathering, PU VC Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali said that the writings of civil servants have a distinct style, offering lessons about life, professional experiences, family relationships, and guidance on securing employment. He said that reading books provides young people with an excellent opportunity to learn. He added that the author had rendered tremendous services to the country, which deserved recognition. He also appreciated the author’s efforts in producing outstanding works on important subjects. Zulfiqar Ahmad Cheema said that seeing the impressive book fair at PU had filled him with joy, particularly because thousands of students had purchased books. He emphasized that knowledge is more important than wealth and status. He said that books spread the light of knowledge and dispel the darkness of ignorance. He urged young people to establish a strong connection with knowledge and books. The speakers said that these publications teach readers how to learn from successful individuals. They observed that the author had consistently upheld the principles of truthfulness and honesty. They added that every word in his books reflected his strong character and integrity. Appreciating the three-day book fair organized by PU, the speakers expressed the hope that the event would help promote a culture of reading among young people.