Over 45,000 books were sold on the first day of Pakistan's largest book fair being organised by the Punjab University administration at the New Campus. On the second day, journalists including Ataur Rehman, Dr Ajmal Niazi, Najam Wali Khan, Mian Habibullah, and Afzal Rehan, writers, doctors, lawyers, engineers, students and people from other walks of life visited the fair. Children and senior citizens also visited stalls.
Senior journalist Ataur Rehman told reporters that the fair had become an important national event to promote an academic culture in the country and that it was a general impression that reading habits had been reduced in this age of IT but he was glad to see the people and young students trooping to the fair to buy books. He said the credit went to Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr Mujahid Kamran.
Renowned columnist Dr Ajmal Niazi said the fair was a proof that there was a strong connection between books and young people and that people still loved books and that was why they were taking great interest. He said books were like houses and "we must live in this house".
His fellow journalist, Najam Wali Khan said through the courtesy of the book fair, the relationship between books and people would grow stronger, calling the provision of books on a highly discounted rate a jihad. He said the sale of books in such a big number was a "change" which would take the nation forward.
Another senior journalist, Mian Habibullah, said a society could never prosper without knowledge and that Allah gave His message through the four Holy Books. He said the first Aya'h stressed to read, and lauded Vice Chancellor Kamran for making efforts to promote reading habits in society.
Senior columnist Afzal Rehan said books were the source of spreading light in the world and that he was pleased with the public enthusiasm. Also, Punjab University Oriental College faculty organised a Mehfil-e- Mushaira at the Undergraduate Study Centre's Al-Raazi Hall.
Among the invitees were Vice Chancellor Dr Kamran, Columnist Dr Ajmal Niazi, Dean Faculty of Law Professor Dr Shazia Naureen Qureshi, Oriental College Principal Dr Ismatullah Zahid, Dr Syed Muhammad Akram, faculty members and students.
Comments
Comments are closed.