LAHORE, May 7: The three-day annual book fair and computer exhibition began at the Punjab University main corridor on Tuesday.

A large number of students from the university and other educational institutions and people from different walks of life visited the fair to purchase books.

Over 80 publishers and printers have set up their stalls and displayed books on science, information technology, philosophy, arts, economics, commerce, history, journalism, social sciences, Islam and poetry are on display. The books are available on 10 per cent to 50 per cent discount.

University vice-chancellor Lt-Gen Arshad Mahmood (retired) inaugurated the fair which was organized and managed by the Islami Jamiat Tulaba activists. The VC was accompanied by IJT Nazim Rashid Farooq and secretary general Allah Bakhsh Leghari.

The VC appreciated the quality and contents of the books on display. He said books were the oldest and closest companion of man and their importance in spreading knowledge and promotion of studies was increasing.

He said the book fair provide a rare opportunity to lovers of knowledge to see the best books produced in various academic disciplines.

He stressed that students should devote maximum of their time to study books and journals to acquire latest knowledge. He lauded the efforts of the organizers for holding the event for the 16th time in the university.

Former chief minister and Punjab Assembly speaker Haneef Ramay said only knowledgeable people would lead the country in future.

IJT Nazim Farooq said the Jamiat would promote the book culture all over the country.

He demanded that the government should lift ban on student unions.