LAHORE: Punjab University’s three-day Book Fair 2026 opened at its New Campus on Thursday, bringing together students, publishers and book lovers in an effort to promote reading habits, encourage critical thinking and reconnect young people with their cultural and intellectual heritage.
Punjab Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar inaugurated the fair on October 15, highlighting the importance of books in an increasingly digital world. The event, organised by the University of the Punjab, continued until October 17 at the corridor of Faisal Auditorium, providing visitors with access to a wide range of publications.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Khokhar said that the growing use of digital screens had made it increasingly difficult for people to maintain sustained attention, while books offered opportunities for focused reading, deeper understanding and intellectual development. He stressed that encouraging the younger generation to reconnect with books was essential for strengthening their academic and intellectual abilities. The minister also visited various stalls and purchased books on different subjects, expressing appreciation for the event’s arrangements and the enthusiasm shown by students. The book fair also featured book talks and intellectual discussions attended by prominent authors, journalists and media professionals, including Osama Siddique, Dr. Shahid Siddiqui, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami and Sohail Warraich.
More than 114 stalls were established at the fair, featuring publications from renowned publishers across Pakistan. Books covering literature, history, social sciences, education and other disciplines were offered at discounted prices to make reading materials more accessible.
Beyond providing a platform for book sales, the fair sought to cultivate a reading culture that encourages young people to explore their history, understand their cultural identity and engage critically with contemporary social and political issues. Exposure to diverse perspectives through books can help students question assumptions, develop independent opinions and participate more thoughtfully in public discourse.
The fair also featured special stalls showcasing student startups and innovative ideas, extending its focus beyond traditional publishing to creativity, entrepreneurship and practical skills. Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said that the event aimed to strengthen students’ engagement with books and promote knowledge, research and innovation. The scale of the event reflected the university’s established literary tradition. According to the administration, approximately 175,000 books were sold at the previous book fair, demonstrating considerable interest among students and readers.
At a time when information is increasingly consumed through short digital content, the book fair underscored the continuing importance of sustained reading in developing reasoning, imagination and intellectual independence. By bringing readers and publishers together, Punjab University’s Book Fair 2026 offered a platform for rediscovering literature, engaging with new ideas and strengthening the connection between younger generations and their intellectual heritage.