PU Book Fair 2024 Concludes with Record-Breaking Sales

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Pakistan’s premier three-day book fair, hosted by Punjab University (PU), concluded with resounding success, witnessing the sale of over 80 thousand books within the initial two days alone. The fervor continued unabated on the final day, drawing a bustling crowd of enthusiastic citizens.

On the closing day, distinguished personalities including Provincial Minister for School Education, Rana Sikandar Hayat, Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan (JIP) Sirajul Haq, Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, Liaqat Baloch, PU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr. Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy (ILRA), Syed Shahbaz Bukhari, alongside eminent journalists Salman Ghani, Farrukh Sohail Goindi, Salman Abid, Altaf Hasan Qureshi, Najam Wali Khan, Yasir Pirzada, Director Co-ordination PHEC, Dr. Tanveer Qasim, legal professionals, medical practitioners, writers, poets, educators, students, and members of the public, along with their families, graced the event with their presence.

Addressing the gathering, Rana Sikandar Hayat underscored the pivotal role of books in knowledge acquisition, lauding the efforts put forth by Punjab University in organizing the book fair. He expressed his delight at witnessing the diversity of books available, emphasizing the intimate connection between education and literature. Hayat revealed plans initiated by the Chief Minister of Punjab to establish old book banks in schools, aiming to facilitate access to literature across the educational spectrum. He emphasized the imperative of fostering a robust educational policy geared towards enhancing the future prospects of students, highlighting endeavors to elevate government schools to the caliber of their private counterparts. Stressing on the indispensable role of education in national development, Hayat commended VC Prof Dr. Khalid Mehmood for rejuvenating Punjab University’s illustrious tradition.

Siraj ul Haq, touring various stalls with keen interest, advocated for increased government allocation, suggesting earmarking 5 percent of the GDP for education. He extolled the significance of libraries and sports facilities in nurturing intellectual and physical growth, citing historical precedents where Muslim civilizations thrived on their commitment to scholarship. Haq extended gratitude to the publishers for their generous discounts and urged governmental support to address the pressing needs of educators and students alike.

VC Prof Dr. Khalid Mahmood extended appreciation to all involved in orchestrating the book fair, recognizing the meticulous efforts of the coordination committee and Chief Librarian Dr. Haroon Usmani for ensuring a seamless experience. Mahmood expressed satisfaction at the overwhelming participation and book sales, affirming the event’s success in fostering a culture of literary engagement. He expressed optimism for the continuity of this cherished tradition in the years ahead.