ISLAMABAD: A three-day book fair hosted by the National Book Foundation in collaboration with the National History and Literary Division ended at the Pak-China Centre on Sunday.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Adviser to the Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui said that a love for books and reading leads a nation to prosperity, development and everlasting peace.

He said that reading leads to more tolerance, education, literacy and encourages thinking as well.

The event was attended by book lovers from Islamabad and Rawalpindi who purchased book at discounted prices.

“I came from Satellite Town and I am happy to see so many people buying books. It is a good sign because reading encourages you to think,” said a guest, Rehmat Ali.

Book fairs provide book lovers with an opportunity to find the books they love under one roof, said another guest, Ayesha Shah who is a resident of F-8.

“Some of the stall owners are also selling books at up to 50pc off while old book sellers are offering old books at nominal prices,” she said while buying Paulo Coelho’s novel, The Alchemist for Rs100.

“We were disappointed with the feedback on the first day but the second and third days were more encouraging,” said Rameez Ali, a book seller.

The three day event featured numerous sessions and programs including performances by children, a grand book fair and reading sessions of books in Urdu, English, Turkish, Chinese and Turkish.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2016