Records 225,000 books sold in three days
By Dr Shabbir Sarwar
Defying the digital gloom and breaking all previous records, the three-day annual Punjab University (PU) Book Fair 2026 concluded with a staggering sale of over 225,000 books. The grand literary event, held from October 15 to 17 at the varsity’s New Campus, transformed the corridors of Faisal Auditorium and the Institute of Education and Research into a vibrant celebration of literature, proving that the human connection with paper and print remains unbreakable even in the era of Artificial Intelligence.
Organised under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, the primary objective of the fair was to inculcate reading habits among Gen-Z and ensure the provision of affordable books.
The book fair was officially inaugurated by the Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, alongside Vice-Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Ali. Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Mahmood Saleem, along with various deans, department heads, faculty members, and thousands of enthusiastic students, attended the opening.
During his visit to various stalls, the provincial minister highly praised the university’s administration for promoting positive youth engagement. He also commended Punjab University’s collaboration with Peshawar Zalmi for organizing the Madrasa Cricket League, a sentiment echoed by the PU Director of Sports, who committed to continuing the inclusive tournament this year as well.
More than 150 leading publishers from across Pakistan set up stalls, offering massive discounts ranging from 30% to 70% on a wide array of genres, including history, philosophy, religion, science, fiction, current affairs, and children’s literature.
According to PU Spokesperson Dr. Khurram Shahzad and official media reports, the festival witnessed unprecedented public turnout. On the first day, a record-breaking opening saw over 45,000 books sold. The momentum swelled on the second day as families and out-of-town visitors flooded the campus, pushing daily sales to 65,000. By Saturday, the final day, crowds packed the corridors from 9:00 AM, resulting in a phenomenal single-day close of over 90,000 books.
Reflecting on the massive numbers,
Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Ali says, “The sale of over 2.25 lakh books in just three days, during economic inflation and soaring paper costs, is the ultimate proof that Pakistani society remains deeply rooted in its love for knowledge.”
Beyond the trade of literature, the fair witnessed deeply emotional scenes that left a lasting impact on attendees. A young visitor traveling from Waziristan stole the hearts of the crowd when he spoke in broken Urdu about his educational deprivations. He stated that if a book fair like this was held in Waziristan, every child there would pass the CSS competitive examinations. Expressing a grievance against the state’s lack of facilities in remote Khyber Pakhtunkhwa areas, he added a touching tribute to his hosts, noting that while he previously believed they faced discrimination, the immense love and hospitality he received in Lahore completely melted his heart. His tearful eyes stood testimony to the power of books in bridging regional divides and countering narratives of hatred.
In his concluding address, Dr. Muhammad Ali emphasized that providing subsidized literature is essential in the AI era. He noted that books are the foundational source of wisdom and that lower prices will seamlessly rebuild the bridge between youth and libraries, expressing immense satisfaction at the massive participation of children and young adults.
The overwhelming success of the PU Book Fair 2026 leaves a clear blueprint for thinkers and policy makers. It proves that the younger generation has not abandoned reading; they are simply waiting for affordable opportunities. Experts urge other universities, arts councils, and district administrations across the country to replicate this model, while calling upon the government to reduce taxes on the publishing industry to keep books accessible to the common man.
(The author, Dr. Shabbir Sarwar, is an Associate Professor at the Department of Journalism, Punjab University, Lahore. He can be reached at: [email protected])